The Plymouth Magazine issue 102

plymouth magazine the

Issue 102 December 2012

win a short break cinderella on ice focus on festive shopping 1000 club update what’s on in plymouth

Published since May 2004 and now DELIVERED FREE

to over 40,000 homes in Plymouth www.plymouthliving.co.uk

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the plymouth magazine

helping young people to find a job Unemployment among young people is a national issue. Latest estimates reveal that there are more than a million youngsters between the ages of 18 and 24 out of work nationally.

The number of young people unemployed for more than a year has increased six fold in the last four years and there is little to suggest that this picture is going to change in the near future.

Plymouth has its own problems with more than a third of those who are unemployed in the city being young people. This is much higher than the national average and means that over 2,000 youngsters in the city have not got a job or any real prospect of getting one.

Against this background, the launch of the 1000 Club in Plymouth at the end of September was a welcome move. The aim is to enlist 1,000 businesses to give the city’s young people a chance.

The 1000 Club has been set up through the Plymouth Growth Board – a partnership between the business community and senior public sector leaders.

Businesses are being encouraged to give young people an opportunity in the workplace through work experience, graduate internships, apprenticeships or mentoring: part-time or full-time.

While some of the city’s major employers have already taken on the challenge, it is particularly encouraging to report on a business run by two recently-qualified graduates who have just taken on another graduate to give him some real work experience.

Full marks then to Ben Challen and Sam O’Hara-Childs, owners of a creative business called Stonewall Toda, for their willingness to give someone a chance.

You can read more about their efforts on pages 10 and 11.

Let’s hope that their example will be followed by many more businesses across the city.

Next year will be a very special one for Plymouth’s Duke of Cornwall Hotel as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. One of the city’s most famous landmarks, the hotel holds a special place in the hearts of many people. We have details of some their anniversary plans on page 8.

Wishing all our readers and advertisers a peaceful and joyous Christmas. See you again in the New Year!

Publishers: Chris Girdler and Ian Pilkington Editor: Debbie Girdler Designers: Lawrence Bird and Sven Lauch Photography: Roy Perring Contributors: Anthony Goord; Dr Caroline Floccia; Kerry Cole; Jill Hill; Fiona Newton and Derek Anderson.

Advertising sales: Naomi Shearer, Sarah Simpson, Lisette Hicklin, Stefanie Clifton-Sprigg and Shakira Floyd Distribution: John Kowalski Finance: Kim Craig Front cover: The world renowned Russian Ice Stars bring their acclaimed production of Cinderella on Ice to Plymouth Pavilions Arena for Christmas 2012.

Contacts: Editorial Tel: 01752 268635 e-mail: chris@cornerstonevision.com Advertising Tel: 01752 225623 e-mail: ian@cornerstonevision.com The views expressed in the plymouth magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of all information contained in this magazine. However, the publishers do not accept any liability for any advice or information included in the magazine. the plymouth magazine is distributed free to 40,000 homes across Plymouth each month, with a further 5,000 copies strategically placed in leisure and retail outlets in Plymouth, Saltash and Tavistock.

Published by Cornerstone Vision, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth PL3 4PY Tel 01752 225623 Fax 01752 673441 e-mail info@cornerstonevision.com web: www.plymouthliving.co.uk

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the plymouth magazine

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plymouth matters

‘duke’ set for a special year of One of Plymouth’s iconic landmarks will be at the centre of a year of celebrations in 2013.

Built in 1863 at a cost of £40,000, the imposing Duke of Cornwall Hotel will be 150 years old next year and the owners are gearing up for a year to remember.

Originally built to provide accommodation for railway passengers arriving at Millbay Station and ocean liners at Millbay Docks, the Duke of Cornwall remains a focal point of the city’s landscape.

The hotel has entertained guests throughout the reign of six monarchs, survived the Blitz unscathed and escaped threatened closure in the 1980s.

Detailed plans and preparations are being drawn up for a year-long programme of special activities. It will include themed menus and a wide range of events reflecting the 150 year history of the hotel.

The anniversary will also provide the focal point for a major fund-raising initiative with the proceeds being donated to three local charities: St Luke’s Hospice, Jeremiah’s Journey and the Friends and Families of Special Children.

“The Duke holds special memories for lots of Plymouth residents and we want as many local people as possible to visit the hotel during 2013 and will be announcing more details of our plans in due course,” said Walter Combstock.

Jon said that the hotel had enjoyed a positive performance during 2012 with an excellent first nine months of the year and a strong end to the year on the cards.

Today, the Grade 2 listed building retains many of its Victorian features, but over the last decade the Duke of Cornwall has benefited from major investment with an ongoing programme of restoration and refurbishment.

“We have continued to invest in the ongoing refurbishment of our 72 bedrooms as well as spending more than £40,000 on the ballroom.

Directors Walter Combstock and Jon Morcom acquired the hotel in 2002 in a management buy-out. Between them they have more than 70 years’ service at the Duke and they are determined to ensure the hotel’s rich and colourful heritage is celebrated in 2013.

“There are very few hotels in the UK with such a long and distinguished history and we want the 150th anniversary to reflect some of the important milestones and memories of times gone by,” said Jon Morcom.

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“We believe these ongoing improvements put us in a solid position to maximise the opportunity of our 150th anniversary celebrations,” he added.

The Duke of Cornwall in 1922

The close proximity of the Plymouth Pavilions continues to benefit the hotel and there is encouraging news that there will be at least three major conferences at the venue in 2013.

Jon, who is chair of Conference Plymouth, said: “It

celebrations has now been confirmed that not only will the GMB Union be returning to the city for their annual convention, but also that the Inner Wheel women’s organisation and one of the major Rotary districts will be coming to the city.

“These three important conferences will bring millions of pounds into the local economy and provide a much needed boost for the city’s hospitality sector.”

With funding from the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, Conference Plymouth had been represented with a stand at the recent Group Leisure and Travel Trade Show in September.

“It was the first time that Conference Plymouth has been represented at this important event and we are confident that it will lead to more visitors and groups coming to the city.

“There are some exciting prospects in the pipeline and we feel encouraged about the future for the city as a venue for major national and international events.”

Jon said that the year was ending on an upbeat note with the Duke of Cornwall becoming one of the main sponsors of the Plymouth Raiders basketball team.

“We have been involved with Raiders for a couple of years now, mainly through sponsoring one of their players. But we are now delighted to be the Raiders preferred hotel sponsor and are accommodating five of their players as part of the sponsorship package.

“It will certainly help to raise the profile of the Duke of Cornwall locally and nationally, particularly as Raiders are now recognised as one of the top basketball teams in the UK.” The Duke of Cornwall Hotel, Millbay Road, Plymouth Tel 01752 275850 www.thedukeofcornwall.co.uk

Duke of Cornwall Hotel directors Walter Combstock (left) and Jon Morcom - looking forward to celebrating the hotel’s 150th anniversary next year

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1000 club matters

young company gives a leg up to new graduate Young entrepreneurs are giving a leg up to the next generation of creative types by offering them work experience under Plymouth’s 1000 Club.

Ben said: “We are a fledgling company but we want to help other young people out of unemployment. We were looking for someone who wants to take a more creative role and has a huge amount of enthusiasm and ideas.”

Production company Stonewall Toda have taken on graduate Daniel Ham after answering the call to help young people get a taste of life at work.

The pair attended an Outset business start-up course which also provided them with the chance to network with other newly-established companies.

The Mutley-based company was formed by Sam O’Hara-Childs and Ben Challen two years ago, while they were still studying for their degrees.

Ben said: “As a work-experience post, we will not be able to pay initially, but as we grow, this will change. And whatever happens, the person we recruit will have had hands-on experience of working with a creative company and getting involved with film, design, performance and business administration.

The pair have worked together as a production team for eight years after meeting at Ridgeway School. Both aged 24, they both graduated this year and are now trying to build up a business within the city.

“We want to give someone insight into how a business like ours works – it is consistently interesting and a lot of fun, but at the same time we have to highly organised and quite strict with ourselves.”

Sam, who has a background in acting, writing and film, graduated in theatre and performance at Plymouth University while Ben took an illustration degree at Plymouth College of Art. The creative pair call their business a ‘hybrid’ and specialise in videos for events, bands and weddings, as well as creating web-promos and designs for logos, banners and posters.

They also produce their own films and perform live comedy.

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Daniel, 21, who lives in Stonehouse, graduated from UCP Marjon with a degree in media studies and was put in touch with Stonewall Toda by Job Centre Plus.

Ben, Daniel and Sam

Dan, who undertook a lot of filming, editing and production work while at Marjons, was offered the work experience opportunity on his graduation day.

“I knew it was too good an opportunity to miss and accepted the offer immediately.

Down to business...

Ben Challen and Sam O’Hara-Childs showing new work experience recruit Daniel Ham some of their latest video work

I met Sam and Ben soon after and realised that Stonewall Toda would give me not only practical creative experience, but also a chance to gain business and administration skills.

ambassadors for the scheme and are now seeing the smaller companies answer the call and sign up to the 1000 Club.”

He said: “I am looking forward to it as it is an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in the field I want to go into. I didn’t think there would be that much opportunity for this sort of experience in Plymouth – but I was wrong!”

The 1000 Club aims to make it easier for businesses - whatever their size - to get advice and guidance on how to support young people into employment from helping schools with mock interviews and careers talks to providing work experience placements, graduate internships, apprenticeships or job opportunities.

As well as the work experience, he has secured a temporary job over Christmas to help with his finances. He will spend eight weeks with Stonewall Toda in all, returning in the New Year after completing his temporary Christmas work.

Plymouth’s Chamber of Commerce has signed up in addition to the Barbican Theatre auditioning for new apprentices. Westcountry Glass have also signed up two apprentices.

Council Leader Tudor Evans added: “Work experience is a great way to help young people get a feel for what working life is like. We’re pleased to see a relatively young company has stepped up to help as part of the 1000 Club initiatives.

Plymouth City Council is taking on more apprentices and the charity Groundwork recently announced 13 new apprentices to help sort the recycling at Weston Mill.

“We targeted the bigger companies in the first instance to ask them to be

To contact Sam or Ben at Stonewall Toda call 07804 318093

For more information visit www.1000Club.co.uk

the plymouth magazine

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art matters

Sue and Charles of Plymstock Gallery and Framers are looking forward to the challenges that the Christmas trade may bring.

Memorabilia and precious objects make lovely and acceptable gifts as illustrated by the baby shoes featured above. Our motto is, ‘if it doesn’t move we can frame it’ and have been presented with many challenges over time to prove these words; framing embroideries, cross stitch and tapestries; christening gowns, rugby and football shirts, ties and watches; precious records, with or without the sleeves are another speciality as are precious event programmes possibly providing an unique personal gift. So many customers come to us with emotive or treasured objects which have been languishing in drawers or storage boxes for years and after we have enhanced and transformed them into beautiful pieces of art work they are able to gain unlimited pleasure from having them constantly on view.

Our computerised mount cutter enables us to provide a wide range of shapes and embellishments in the transformation process. We count ourselves lucky to have been trained by one of the top framers in the country who is also an examiner for The Fine Art Trade Guild, of which we are members.

We also exhibit work from local artists and have an interesting selection of pictures and scultures to view.

anita’s sunset gives new cafe a striking focal point A beautiful sunset painting illuminates the wall of the Oasis Cafe in Powisland Drive.

This small diner has recently opened within the Derriford United Reformed Church Hall. Set up as a result of a community survey, it seeks to provide for the residents of the Derriford estate.

Hot and cold drinks, light meals and cakes are served by a team of volunteers in a specially designed area.

Bright yellow walls, white brick work and blue blinds provide a fresh atmosphere in which to relax. All that was missing was a focal point to complement the ambience and theme.

Local Plymouth artist Anita Collier was commissioned to enhance the setting with a piece of wall art.

Having lived in Plymouth all of her life, apart from a brief venture off to study in Taunton, Anita is well aware of the inspiration that nature provides the artist.

by

Kerry Cole

She said: “The sky continues to inspire me. There are moments when I catch my breath in wonder and wish I could hold on to that moment for longer.

“The vastness of the sky brings perspective to the detail of my everyday life. I enjoy drawing attention to the amazing creation of light and colour, which is ever changing in magnificence, yet faithfully constant and always with us.

“I hope to capture a glimpse of this beauty in my paintings and inspire others to look upward.”

With the logo for the cafe being a palm tree, Anita wanted her painting to communicate welcome, refreshment and rest.

She started off by painting the sun. She commented: “I wanted the sun to be central. I then layered colours because I desired that richness would come through.

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“There is a light switch on the wall that has been incorporated into the image which brings in something ordinary. I purposely left some of the layers of paint to drip into each other because the picture is not literal and it makes the painting honest and almost playful.”

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The colours used are vibrant as Anita wanted to produce a sense of warmth and heat – whatever the weather is like outside. This attractive sunset has been created using acrylic paint and took Anita three days to complete.

You can visit the Oasis Cafe and see the painting for yourself. The opening hours are Monday, Thursday and Saturday 9.30am until 2.30 pm and Tuesday evenings 7pm until 9.30pm.

Another community art project that Anita is involved with is called ‘The Gift’.

Involving the gathering of peoples’ Christmas memories, a special community day will be held on December 15 in Woodford Methodist Church.

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Plymouth artist Anita Collier with her striking mural at the Oasis Cafe in Derriford United Reformed Church

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Here, nostalgic Christmas images will be printed onto fabric, providing a beautiful festive array. Anita is working with the local primary school, churches and others in the community to produce this.

The beautiful sculpture of the baby Jesus that appeared at the art installation, ‘The Gathering’ last year, will be on display again at this event. So do be sure to try to get along.

Anita tells me that there are plans to replicate the original clay model in an aluminium resin cast.

You can contact Anita regarding the undertaking of commissions by emailing anita@anitacollier.co.uk . If you are interested in an artistic community project the email to contact her on is info@armyofartists.co.uk

barbican late night shopping Several galleries will be open on the Barbican for a special evening of late night shopping in December.

The event takes place on December 12 with shops staying open until 8pm to give shoppers the chance to take their time and browse the many galleries and specialist shops on the Barbican.

Galleries which will be taking part include Kaya Gallery,45 Southside Gallery, Whistlefish Gallery, Sue Wills Gallery, Blue Peace Gallery, Phippen Contemporary Gallery, Pipe Gallery and Flameworks@ Relegacy Gallery.

Also opening for late night shopping are Art 2 Frame Glass!, Victoria Sewart Contemporary Jewellery and Chris Robinson’s Plymouth Prints.

For more information visit www. Prints like this will be available at Plymouth Prints barbicanwaterfront.com

Kerry Cole is author of an arts style book called The Purple Veil. For more information visit www.thepurpleveil.com the plymouth magazine

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shopping matters

festive fun across the city for plymouth winter festival Plymouth’s Winter Festival is returning for 2012 – and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever with the events taking place across the city centre and waterfront.

Plymouth City Centre Company and Plymouth Waterfront Partnership are teaming up to provide a fantastic line up of festive fun for all the family in the lead up to Christmas.

The Winter Festival was officially launched on Thursday November 22, with the Christmas Lights Switch On transforming Plymouth into a twinkling festive haven and beginning the city’s countdown to Christmas.

Grotto on Frankfort Gate. The Grotto opened on November 22 to coincide with the Christmas Lights Switch On, and will remain open every day until Christmas Eve. The Christmas Lights Switch On also marked the opening of the Christmas Market stalls on Armada Way and Cornwall Street and the redressing of the outdoor ice rink on the Piazza as a Christmas Winter Wonderland.

Shops in the city centre will be staying open until 8pm for late night shopping, as they will every Thursday throughout the rest of November The popular Christmas Market is back in the city centre and December.

Brand new for 2012, there will also be a special Saturday Christmas Farmers’ Market taking place on the waterfront, based at West Pier.

Local traders will be selling a wide range of goods including fresh bread, eggs, poultry, venison, handmade cakes and preserves – highlighting the South West’s excellent local produce.

Now in its third year, the Winter Festival aims to attract shoppers from across the South West to enjoy Plymouth’s unique retail offer, as well as its exciting programme of entertainment and events.

This year Santa will have a new home in Plymouth, at his Christmas with pop up performances each week.

The market began on Saturday November 24 and will open every Saturday in the five weeks before Christmas, from 11am to 6pm,

Barbican traders will be holding a one-off late night shopping evening on Wednesday December 12, with many of the independent shops and galleries staying open until 8pm and offering shoppers mulled wine and other festive treats.

There will also be an ‘Odd Window Out’ trail for families to follow along the waterfront and a photo exhibition of ‘Christmases Past on the Barbican’ run by South West Image Bank at the Tourist Information Centre.

Sarah O’Leary, Plymouth Waterfront manager said: “Everyone on the waterfront is really looking forward to the dining and shopping Christmas season and joining in with the festive fun.

“Last year’s late night shopping evening on the Barbican proved to be very popular. It’s a great evening within the relaxed, atmospheric setting of the historic quayside with opportunities to dine by the waterside too.

“We’re introducing the Saturday farmers’ markets this year giving people added reason to buy local this Christmas and the many destinations within the waterfront offer a broad range for all the family.”

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the plymouth magazine

The countdown to Christmas will continue throughout December, with the Twinkling Twilight Lantern Parade on Thursday December 6, which will see 300 local school children parading their handmade lanterns through the city streets.

Hundreds of children will take part in the Lantern Parade on December 6

• continued on next page

December Opening Hours Thursday 8am - 8pm Sundays 10.30am - 4.30pm

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shopping matters

Highest Prices Paid For Gold and Silver High quality jewellery repairs Your existing jewellery re-designed The team at Jewellery Design Studio would like to wish their customers old and new a Merry Christmas!

01752 226787 25 Market Avenue, Plymouth PL1 1PG

busy line-up of in city centre • continued from previous page There will also be a charity Santa Fun Run on December 9, breakfast with Santa at the ice rink on Christmas Eve, Dick Whittington in panto at the Theatre Royal between December 14 and January 19, Cinderella on Ice at Plymouth Pavilions from December 26 to January 5 and a whole host of other festive shows across the city.

To help shoppers get more for their money, Plymouth City Centre Company is teaming up with Plymouth CityBus, Radio Plymouth and the Plymouth Herald to introduce the ShopPlymouth Saver Card – a great way for shoppers to access exclusive discounts and offers across the city, helping local residents to make their money go further this Christmas. Sign up for the card for free at www.ShopPlymouth.co.uk.

Clint Jones, Plymouth City Centre manager said: “The Winter Festival is definitely going to be bigger and better than ever this year. We’re bringing back all the events which have been popular in the past along with some exciting new festive treats.

“With the launch of the ShopPlymouth Saver Card there’s never been a better time to bag a bargain, so come and make the most of all the deals on offer while enjoying the great entertainment and events in the lead up to Christmas.”

For information on all the events and activities that form this year’s Winter Festival visit www.visitplymouth.co.uk and www.shopplymouth.co.uk.

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Pleased to be of service...David Harris of Just Leather the plymouth magazine

Santa and his reindeer will be at Frankfort Gate on December 6

Christmas Exhibition 2012 Tantalising jewellery from 9 new designers:

festive events and barbican Keep up with all the latest updates by becoming a fan of What’s On Plymouth on Facebook and following www.twitter.com/visitplymouth

Balbina Ramsay Bryony Stanford Jenny Llewellyn Judith Brown Michael Carberry Petra Bishai Rie Tanabe Stephanie Johnson Stephanie Ray Victoria Sewart Contemporary Jewellery Gallery Image: Jenny Llewellyn

39 Southside Street, The Barbican, Plymouth Phone: 01752 220011

For more Jewellery, Online Shop and Jewellery Workshops (Including “Make Your Own Wedding Rings”) visit us at: www.victoriasewart.com

Upcoming Winter Festival events: Saturday December 1: - Christmas Market at West Pier every Saturday - Odd Window Out trail begins on the waterfront - Barbican Christmases Past photo exhibition begins Sunday December 2: - Good Food Market at Royal William Yard, 11am to 3pm Thursday December 6: - Twinkling Twilight Lantern Parade, starting at 6pm leaving from the City Market Car Park on Cornwall Street. Meet Santa’s reindeer from 3pm to 5pm at their Frankfort Gate paddock Friday December 7: - The Greatest Story Never Told begins at the Barbican Theatre Sunday December 9: - Santa fun run in the city centre Wed December 12: - Late night shopping on the Barbican Frid December 14: - Dick Whittington begins at the Theatre Royal Mon December 24: - Breakfast with Santa at the outdoor ice rink Wed December 26: - Cinderella on Ice begins at Plymouth Pavilions

Ian at Art 2 Frame and Glass!! looking forward to serving customers this Christmas

• continued on next page the plymouth magazine

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shopping matters

late night shopping on the barbican The shops on Plymouth’s historic Barbican are staying open late for shoppers on Wednesday December 12 until 8pm.

Enjoy a bit of festive cheer with mulled wine and seasonal treats, while taking a relaxing stroll through the many unique and individual shops and galleries the Barbican has to offer.

There’s a chance to discover something new, uniquely handmade, a piece of art,

Warm welcome from the team at Cap’n Jaspers

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the plymouth magazine

A unique gallery, now open 6 years, selling jewellery, glass, ceramics and other gift items; all hand made in the UK; all exclusive to Plymouth and now available to buy online at www.nicolahurst.co.uk Nicola makes jewellery on the premises.

Commissions and repairs undertaken.

Christmas gifts and decorations now on show for sale as well as wonderful jewellery by many new designers.

Wishing all my Customers a Happy C h r i s t m a s a n d H e a l t h y N e w Ye a r.

01752 228000

l www.nicolahurst.co.uk

65 Hyde Park Rd l Plymouth l PL3 4JN

Scan here for more info

Plenty of Christmas gift ideas at Parade Antiques

that perfect present or dress for the festive season. With such a wide variety of shops there is something for everyone.

A drink or dinner by the water in one of the Barbican’s many restaurants and bars is the perfect ending for a relaxing festive shopping experience.

Shops which are staying open are: - Art 2 Frame Glass!!

- Funky Poppy - Frankly Linen - Plymouth Prints (Chris Robinson) - Flameworks @ Relegacy Gallery - South West Image Bank - Victoria Sewart Contemporary Jewellery - Kaya Gallery

- Sue Wills Gallery - Blue Peace Gallery - 45 Southside Gallery - Spoilt - Whistlefish gallery - Phippen Contemporary Gallery - Pipe Gallery - Peardrops Beads and more...

For details visit www.barbicanwaterfront.com

Pleased to be of service...Matthias at 45 Southside on the Barbican the plymouth magazine

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the plymouth magazine

what’s on?

Jan 22 to Feb 9 Theatre Royal Tour and Lunch

theatres & shows

Take a look behind-the-scenes and view the Theatre Royal auditorium from the stage, see the flexible format of the Drum Theatre, the orchestra pit, the trap-rooms and front of house.

Glimpse inside the dressing rooms, wings and backstage areas and experience some of the theatricality, heritage and tradition of the theatre in the company of our well-informed guides. Finish off your tour with lunch in the Theatre Royal’s restaurant, the mezz. Places must be booked in advance, call the Box Office on 01752 267222 for more information.

Theatre Royal

Royal Parade Plymouth Box Office 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com

Nov 26 to Dec 1 Chicago

A nightclub singer, a double-murderess, a smooth-talking lawyer and a cell block of sin - this Broadway and West End classic comes to Plymouth with Ali Bastian (Hollyoaks, The Bill) as Roxie Hart, Stefan Booth (EastEnders, Dancing On Ice) as Billy Flynn and Bernie Nolan as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton.

With a score including All That Jazz and Razzle Dazzle, it would be a crime to miss it.

Feb 12 to Feb 16 The Taming of The Shrew and Twelfth Night

The internationally acclaimed Propeller makes a triumphant return to the Theatre Royal Plymouth with two of Shakespeare’s most popular works. In The Taming Of The Shrew, two disguised, competing suitors clamour for the hand of beautiful Bianca whilst gold digging Petruchio agrees to wed The popular musical Dirty Dancing is coming to the Theatre Royal in January and February next year

Dec 14 to Jan 19 Dick Whittington Gary Wilmot and Sara Crowe star in Radio Times – The Musical at the Theatre Royal in December

Dec 3 to Dec 8 Radio Times – The Musical

Gary Wilmot (Chicago, Me and My Girl) and Olivier Award winner Sara Crowe (Private Lives, Four Weddings and a Funeral) lead a cast of fifteen actormusicians from the acclaimed Tony and Olivier Award winning Watermill Theatre in this gloriously funny musical comedy. In the heart of London’s Blitz-torn West End, the cast of BBC’s light entertainment radio show, Variety Bandwagon are doing their bit for the war effort. But with the bombs falling outside, can star of the show Sammy Shaw hang on to his leading lady and broadcast live to America for the first time? Chock-full of quick-fire gags, side-splitting routines and classic songs from one of our ‘best of British’ musical talents, Noel Gay (Me and My Girl), Radio Times features forties’ favourites such as Run Rabbit Run, Hey Little Hen, My Thanks To You and There’s Something About A Soldier.

It’s a pantomime adventure paved in gold and packed with glittering spectacle. The country’s favourite pantomime Dame, Christopher Biggins, returns to the Theatre Royal by popular demand as Sarah the Cook, who will be dishing out huge helpings of comedy aided and abetted by the loveable icon of children’s television, Basil Brush as Alderman Foxwarren.

Will the Spirit of the Bells, played

by Hilary O’Neil, be able to help our handsome hero? There’s only one way to find out!

Jan 22 to Feb 9 Dirty Dancing

An unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensationally sexy dancing. Seen by millions, this world-wide smash tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring hit songs including Hungry Eyes, Hey Baby, Do You Love Me? and the heart-stopping I’ve Had The Time Of My Life! the plymouth magazine

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4 Keast Mews, Fore Street, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6AR 01752 848070 saltashlittleblackdress@hotmail.co.uk www.littleblackdressboutique.co.uk The internationally acclaimed Propeller, all-male Shakespeare company make a triumphant return to the Theatre Royal with two of the Bard’s most popular works – the Taming of the Shrew and Twelfth Night

theatres & shows her viciously ill-tempered sister Kate.

The difference between marrying for love and marrying for money, however, becomes increasingly difficult to judge.

Twelfth Night tells a twisted tale of mistaken identity, transformation and deception. Dark and delightful, the play asks ‘What happens when you fall in love with the wrong person?’ and the answer is both beautiful and bittersweet. One thing is certain - nobody does Shakespeare like Propeller.

Drum Theatre Royal Parade Plymouth Box Office 01752 267222

Nov 27 to Dec 1 Thirsty

Based on our nation’s love affair with alcohol, Thirsty weaves together real stories, memories and booze-based confessions collected from a ‘drunken hotline’ and an online questionnaire.

Combining live music, verbatim text and physical theatre, it looks at the stories and social repercussions of lost memories, bruised knees, uncontrollable laughter and sore heads.

Dec 4 to Jan 19 The Hare and the Tortoise

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Following the sell-out success of last year’s The Elves and the Shoemaker, Stuff & Nonsense return this Christmas with their unswerving energy and

the plymouth magazine

inventive charm to retell the classic Aesop fable, The Hare and the Tortoise.

Dec 5 to Dec 23 Barbershopera: The Three Musketeers

Reinventing Alexandre Dumas’ classic adventure story with some fresh four-part harmonies, the three guys and a girl sing you through the epic adventure of d’Artagnan and The Three Musketeers.

Barbican Theatre Castle Street, Plymouth Box Office: 01752 267131

Dec 7 to Dec 23 The Greatest Story Never Told

Following the huge success of the 2011 sell-out Christmas run, Le Navet Bete is back again with this spectacular and unique version of the traditional Christmas Nativity. (See panel on pages 24 and 25).

B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre Castle Street, Plymouth 01752 242021 www.b-bar.co.uk

Dec 5 Comedy Night

Some light relief with the best standups on the UK circuit.

Dec 6 Dr Thud’s Remedy

Five-piece band playing music of Irish and Celtic origin. They play pretty much anything that gets feet tapping and lots of happy people dancing with instrumentation including vocals, guitar, harmonica, occasional Irish whistle, mandolin, fiddle, tea-chest bass, bodhran and percussion.

what’s on?

Dec 7 Lost in Space

A stomping seven-piece party band with raunchy female vocals, a full brass section, funky bass, jazz guitar and more percussion than you can shake a stick at, playing ska and blues, all with an edge of funk and jazz, re-working old standards, and writing their own songs too.

Dec 12 Café Acoustica

Dec 14 Alex and The Underground

Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Party

Dec 20 Thomas Ford

A duo mixing string instruments with a loop station and harmonies to create a full and vibrant sound. Their songs are folk in style with a few blues songs thrown into the mix. The performance is interwoven with popular covers interpreted in their own original style.

Electrifying blues talent in the form of this harp-playing, hard blues singing solo performer.

Dec 21 Out to Grass

The favourite bluegrass boys mean business as they apply their amazing ability to well-known tunes.

See the New Year in with style. Choose from three rooms featuring global dance tunes, swinging entertainment courtesy of the clock-watchin’ band Midnight Special, playing rhythm’n’blues, rock’n’roll and swing and a champagne and cocktail lounge. Bubbly on entry, a tasty Thai buffet and special deals on New Year drinks.

Jan 19 The LipSinkers

Fortnightly showcase of unplugged talent, hosted by singer-songwriter Jessie Mullen.

The finest of London’s East End, The LipSinkers, bring the noble art of lip-synching and the chaos of 21st century camp cabaret together in a drag act of disturbing brilliance.

Watch one of the capital’s finest cabaret acts shimmy their way through a freaky pop line-up in hilarious, twisted style.

Dec 13 Mama Tokus and the Nudettes

Mama Tokus hosts a special gig of vocal music, ably assisted by her singing group The Nudettes - performing amazing arrangements of popular songs, under the musical direction of Ms Bernardine Artuso. Expect beautiful voices, lots of soul and plenty of feminine power!

Plymouth Pavilions

Millbay Road, Plymouth Box Office: 0845 146 1460.

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the plymouth magazine

23

clowning around...

what’s on?

theatres & shows embark on their biggest UK arena tour to date this autumn, taking in thirteen cities including Plymouth.

Dec 8 Royal Marine Band Christmas Spectacular

During this annual event, the Royal Marines Band – which is based at HMS Raleigh in Torpoint – will perform Christmas music, military marches, big band hits and popular showstoppers – to name but a few. In addition, their world-renowned Corps of Drums will demonstrate the precision, accuracy and musical skills for which they are famous across the globe.

Dec 14 Jools Holland

Piano master Jools Holland is set to take his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra on the road once again. Folk-pop sensation KT Tunstall will be making a guest appearance in Plymouth. Also

24

the plymouth magazine

featuring the astounding vocals of Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and acclaimed trombonist Rico Rodriguez.

Dec 15 One Night of Queen with Gary Mullen and The Works

Ever since Gary Mullen won ITV’s Stars In Their Eyes back in 2000, he’s toured the world with his band The Works, paying tribute to rock legends Queen.

They’ve performed throughout the UK, USA, Europe, South Africa and New Zealand, as well as twice rocked the BBC Proms in the Park in front of 40,000 people! One Night of Queen is an unmissable live concert for fans of Queen, classic rock, live music or just a great night out!

Dec 20 The Overtones

The Overtones have dazzled audiences on their current tour with their flawless performances, winning charm and impeccable style. The five singers, who have learned their craft through the years of performing together, stage a pitch perfect show that is arguably one of the most entertaining and enjoyable concerts around.

• Continued on page 26

The Plymouth Magazine caught up with Al Dunn from clown troupe, Le Navet Bete, whose show The Greatest Story Never Told is on at the Barbican Theatre this Christmas and asked him a few questions about what it’s really like being a clown.

Where are Le Navet Bete based?

We’re based in Exeter, where we are a company in residence at the Phoenix Arts Centre.

What theatre training have you done?

We all have degrees in Theatre and Performance from the University of Plymouth, and an honoury diploma each from Universidad Mesoamericana in Mexico. The main training has been on the job as such: the sheer number of performances has taught us how to craft and deliver theatre.

When did you first realise that you might have a clown in you trying to get out?

The point of realisation for me had to be during university whilst performing some of Dylan Thomas’ work: it felt natural to perform like an idiot and that’s where it all started.

What is it that makes Le Navet Bete such a winning formula do you think?

It’s accessibility, whilst still being original and contemporary. Our audiences are of all ages, we try and create work anyone can enjoy with multiple layers. But, if you want another answer, it’s because everyone loves being silly.

How do you all manage to keep it fresh and not dated and slapstick?

The shows change all the time, we try and trip each other on stage so we as performers are focused and ready for anything. It’ll hold energy better if we’re on our toes. We also find new material through serendipitous moments, such as a chair accidently breaking and the audience then loving it....so it goes in the next show.

Where do your ideas for shows come from?

From our brains! It’s a collaboration between all of us, all of the time. We use

with le navet bete each other as spring boards to bounce ideas around and they evolve with care, attention and a lot of play.

Where do you begin to make them reality - do you write scripts or devise as you go along? How do you decide who plays who?

The process differs for different shows, outdoor and indoor for instance have hugely different processes. But there’s a bit of script writing and a lot of devising, we try and use a score for our work. It’s looked at like a piece of music, with a rhythm that runs throughout. To pick the characters, we look at each other and see who would suit what, or it can be something as simple as the height of one of us means we will play a specific character.

Do you ever feel not in the mood to be funny on stage?

Never, once you’re on stage you have to be committed. It takes a lot of work to get there, and to take it for granted would be wrong. If you want to you can look at it like any job, you must always deliver.

Do you ever annoy each other?

Yes, a lot. We purposely wind each other up all the time, but that’s one of the reasons our working relationship is strong.

Do you ever do any straight acting?

No, we don’t like it. I for one feel very uncomfortable doing it. It feels unnatural.

Where do you see the company going professionally?

Bigger and better shows really! Plus more work abroad. We’ve been lucky enough to tour places like Mexico and a lot of Europe, but more would be great.

Do people expect you to be funny in real life and how do you feel about that?

It is the sort of thing that happens in social situations, it’s fine really but there is a little bit of pressure once people find out your occupation. An occupational hazard you could say.

What makes you laugh and smile?

Creating situations up in our heads, ‘imagine if...’ are quite a common thing on the road. When you tour a lot you try and entertain yourself with whatever you can!

The Greatest Story Never Told is on at the Barbican Theatre between December 7 and 23. For more information and tickets go to www.barbicantheatre.co.uk or www.lenavetbete.com or call the Box Office on 01752 267131.

the plymouth magazine

25

what’s on?

theatres & shows Dec 26 to Jan 5 Cinderella on Ice

An evening of awe and wonder awaits as Theatre on Ice producers, Wild Rose, present the internationally acclaimed Russian Ice Stars in a truly magical production of the well loved fairytale, Cinderella. The Russian Ice Stars deliver a dazzling interpretation of this enchanting story loved by all ages, a treat for the whole family.

See panel opposite.

Jan 18 Paul Carrack

Legendary Sheffield born singer, songwriter and former frontman of Ace, Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanics; Paul Carrack returns to the road. With a back catalogue of hits including How Long, Tempted and The Living

26

Years, Paul’s marvelously soulful voice is known to millions around the world; he is undoubtedly a key figure in British pop history. And as his devoted fans know all too well, a Paul Carrack show is always something very special!

Jan 27 Brendan Cole: Licence to Thrill

Following his Plymouth debut this year with Live and Unjudged, Brendan Cole returns with his brand new show, Licence To Thrill. Brendan and his cast of 20 musicians and dancers present a spectacular night of theatre entertainment.

Brendan, one of Strictly Come Dancing’s most charismatic choreographers and performers, hosts an evening of ballroom magic and Latin excitement in a live dance extravaganza not to be Paul Carrack missed.

the plymouth magazine

The world renowned Russian Ice Stars bring their acclaimed production of Cinderella on Ice to Plymouth Pavilions Arena for Christmas 2012, running from Wednesday Boxing Day until Saturday January 5.

A real ice rink will be built on the stage of the Pavilions Arena enabling some of the world’s finest skaters to glide and swirl their way through this best loved of all fairytales.

With superb sets and colourful costumes, the traditional tale unfolds in a two hour spectacle that will entrance all ages. The show is a must see for lovers of good music, ice dance, ballet and spectacular feats.

Valdis Mintals, (pictured) who plays The Prince in the performance, has been talking to Cathy Sayers.

The first thing that Valdis Mintals tells me about Cinderella on Ice is that it’s a ballet but at the same time shows all the skills needed in a skating competition. Valdis should know. He plays the Prince in the performance. Which moves I wonder are the most difficult? “The triple jumps, definitely,” he says, “but then there are the lifts, spins throughout and movements like the throw jumps, which is when I ‘throw’ Cinderella and she spins on to land effortlessly.”

Valdis has the experience to know what competitive skating has to offer to an audience. Born in Estonia, he started skating aged four. During his competitive skating career he took part at European and world level becoming Estonia’s national champion for eight consecutive years.

He stars alongside Valeria Vorobyeva who is Cinderella.

Valeria is Russian and like Valdis started skating early on, from the age of eight in her case. How does she lose the slipper I ask or rather, a skating boot? “You will see Cinderella without one of her boots and she has to skate on one leg.”

The artistry of this performance clearly runs alongside the physicality of the roles. All the performers train hard. They rehearse for eight weeks beforehand for up to eight hours a day. Even once the tour starts, there are rehearsals for about three to four hours before the show.

The ice stage is especially built for this spectacle. Whereas a competition arena

City College Plymouth For education and training that works!

christmas spec tacular on ice at the pa vilions is 60 by 30 metres, the performances rink is much smaller at ten by ten metres.

The ice temperature is kept constant by a big generator outside the venue. With so much action on stage, the performers have to be careful to stay within the parameter of the rink. There’s a thin red line showing them the limits to avoid any problems or accidents. “Yes there are occasionally injuries,” Valdis says casually.

“I have been injured several times but it’s back on stage as soon as possible – we love getting on with the show!”

And what a show it is. The choreography is by Giuseppe Arena, who is an award winning talent with a brilliant world-wide reputation. There are the ‘soft’ characters like The Prince, Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother. But then they contrast with the ‘hard’ and nasty two Ugly Sisters and Step Mother, who is in fact played by a man!

“We want to draw our audience in,” says Valdis. “It’s most important we show the depth and breadth of human emotions.” Then there’s the entertainment factor.

Skate jesters and circus people put on a wonderful display using trapezes during the ball scene.

Visit our New Start Event for advice, guidance and to sign up for a wide range of part-time professional and leisure courses starting in 2013 …

New Start Event Tuesday 8 January 2013

4.00pm to 7.00pm Kings Road, Devonport

Do you know a young person who … … wants a different experience from school, is unemployed, or is looking for their next step?

City College Plymouth can help

The performers work so effortlessly on their roles that it’s very easy to forget that this production is in fact on ice! Valdis explains he met his wife Katya Bokiy, who plays the Fairy Godmother, on stage with this company The Russian Ice Stars. “We fell in love on set ten years ago and the rest is history!”

Come along to our New Start Event to find out about:

They now have a seven year old son, Ervin who was born in England. But surely it must be difficult to work and live together? “Yes sometimes it’s not easy as we are together 24/7. There’s no new news to tell each other at the end of the day! But life is good, we love each other and the work.”

• a range of full-time courses starting in January

On tour, they enjoy catching up with their native culture by watching Russian news and movies. Also they take time to get to know the environment they are in. Last time Valdis was in Plymouth five years ago he played the Prince in Beauty and the Beast.

• Apprenticeship vacancies in a number of areas

He’s looking forward to returning to the city. “We both think it’s a nice place, somewhere we really enjoy.” Ultimately though Valdis, like his fellow skaters, judges the success of their visit by how the audience reacts. “If they go wild, we know we’ve achieved!” he says.

To book tickets contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460 or visit www.plymouth pavilions.com with ‘print at home’ ticketing

• programmes to prepare young people for further education or employment.

To pre-register or for more information visit

www.cityplym.ac.uk/events or call

01752 305300*

* Lines close at 4.30pm on Friday 21 December and re-open on Monday 7 January at 8.00am the plymouth magazine

27

what’s on?

more musical mash-ups from bill bailey Bill Bailey is heading back to Plymouth Pavilions with his new show Qualmpeddler on Friday April 26 next year.

Bill Bailey had doubts about the modern world, but these have now grown into qualms.

He will be channeling these feelings of unease and apprehension, with the help of religious dubstep, his folk bouzouki, Horntallica, a re-appraisal of some of the world’s greatest works of art and perhaps a dub version of Downton Abbey.

He looks at the consequences of lies, the unending search for the Higgs and the hiding skills of dentists.

Bill tries to confront his Cluster-Qualm of living in a time of spectacular ignorance, and rare planetary alignment that may be part of the Mayan End of Days prophecy.

Come savour this Broth of Anxiety with Bill Bailey Qualmpeddler!

This show has the all classic Bill Bailey elements, trademark musical mash-ups, multi-lingual riffs, films, songs, philosophizing and silliness on a grand scale – plus one amazing owl.

To book tickets contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460 or visit www.plymouthpavilions.com for ‘print at home’ ticketing.

Jobel Ltd

Bathroom Showroom in Plymouth City Centre 154 Cornwall Street

opposite Market entrance

Credit now available Phone for a free home visit!

01752 229697 www.jobelltd.co.uk

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the plymouth magazine

the plymouth magazine

29

what’s on?

theatres & shows

Style.’ Plus works for string, brass and wind ensembles. Free admission, parting donation invited towards concert costs.

Dec 8 Saltash Ladies Choir

Dec 1 Christmas Music Box

Saltash Guildhall Clive Jenkins - piano and Mark Boocock - baritone present opular and classical Christmas music with audience participation. Tickets £7 from Saltash Guildhall or phone Sylvia Bedbrook 01752 8445149.

Dec 2 Plymouth Philharmonic Choir

The Guildhall, Royal Parade Featuring soloists: Catherine Hamilton soprano and Alison Kettlewell - mezzosoprano. See panel on facing page.

Dec 2 Plymouth Jazz Club

Royal British Legion Club, Crownhill Karen Sharp with the Craig Milverton trio. Call 01752 721179 or visit www. plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk

Cotehele House Two carol concerts under the famous garland in Cotehele’s main hall. For more information please visit www.swc choir.org.uk or tel 01752 847546.

Dec 8 Christmas Concert

St Andrew’s Church, Plymouth Presented by University of Plymouth Choral Society. Musical director Simon Ible, with Ruth Jenkins - soprano, Martha Jones - mezzo-soprano, Rupert Charlesworth - tenor and Adrian Powter - baritone. Plus traditional carols for audience participation. Tickets £12 (£5 students and children) from Peninsula Arts, Plymouth University. For further information call 01752 585050 or visit www.peninsula-arts.co.uk Dec 9 Tamar Valley Choir

Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery Clive Jenkins - piano and Mark Boocock - baritone present popular and classical Christmas music with audience participation. Tickets £6.50 from Museum Shop (Tues - Sat) and at the door, from Jeanie Moore, 01752 770345 or from www.wegottickets.com (See panel on page 34).

Dec 11 Plymouth Clarion Choir

Davy Main Hall, Plymouth University Conductor Rupert Bond with Sibelius: Sections from Symphony no. 2 and Schubert: Overture in C ‘In the Italian the plymouth magazine

Dec 8 South West Chamber Choir

Dec 6 Christmas Music Box

Dec 6 Plymouth University Orchestra

30

Burraton Methodist Church, Saltash

Tesco, Lee Mill Christmas music to entertain the Sunday shoppers.

Ford Park Chapel Carol concert for the Friends of Ford Park Cemetery, with audience participation. Contact Ruth Self 01752 787128.

Dec 11 Carols by Candlelight

St Matthias Church, North Hill University of Plymouth Choral Society Simon Ible, director of music. Admission free.

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Popular New Orleans style jazz band The John Shillito Select Six will be wowing the audience at the Plymouth Jazz Club’s legendary New Year’s Eve Party this year.

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The event takes place at Derriford Church Hall, Powisland Drive, Derriford starting at 8.30pm.

Trumpet and vocals by John Shillito will be accompanied by Bobby Fox on trombone, John Wurr on clarinet and saxes, Derek Maughan on drums, Simon Banks on piano and Bob Jarvis bass guitar. It’s a real ‘full on’ exciting and accomplished band with a strong repertoire of tunes, straight out of New Orleans.

The band has a great ensemble of sound and features outstanding soloists.

For tickets and information contact John Amos on 01752 774343.

Dec 14 Christmas Concert

Dec 16 Christmas Music

Church of The Ascension, Crownhill, Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir, directed

by Jenny George, accompanist Anne Kalas.

Buckland Abbey Great Hall Presented by Tamar Concert Choir.

Details at www.tamarchoir.com

Dec 14 Christmas Concert

Methodist Central Hall, Plymouth Plymouth Area Police Choir.

Dec 15 Christmas Presence

Harewood House, Plympton Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir, directed by Jenny George with accompanist Anne Kalas present an evening of seasonal music and carols. Advance booking essential. Call 01752 880730.

Dec 15 Christmas Music

Trinity United Reformed Church, Torr Lane, Plymouth Presented by the Tamar Concert Choir.

Details at www.tamarchoir.com Dec 15 Candlelight Christmas Service

St Andrew’s Church, Plymouth Performed by Plymouth Area Police Choir.

Dec 16 Plymouth Jazz Club Christmas Special

Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill Featuring the Pennyroyal Jazz Band.

Details and tickets 01752 774343.

Dec 18 Spirit of Christmas Concert

Methodist Central Hall, Plymouth Organised by Age UK this concert features performances by the Tamar Concert Choir with the opportunity to join in with favourite Christmas carols.

As part of the celebration there will be a special performance of ‘Never Will Forget’ by Plymouth’s own Ian Calvert, ex local radio and TV presenter. Guest speakers will be Archie Brew, Olympic swimming coach and Inspector Darren Green of Devon & Cornwall Police.

Tickets are £5 and available at all Age UK Plymouth centres or telephone 01752 253980. Visit www.ageukplymouth.org.uk

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• continued on page 34 the plymouth magazine

31

Theatre Royal today with (below) architect’s impressions of how it will look after the regeneration project

Recapture the true spirit of Christmas Nativity Plays in the barn with the Pennywell animals and visits to Father Christmas

BOOK ONLINE - IT’S SO EASY: www.pennywellfarm.co.uk

Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0LT. Call: 01364 642023

theatre r for multi-mi regener Plymouth’s Theatre Royal is set for a major programme of improvements following confirmation of a £5 million contribution from the Arts Council. The project will reinforce the theatre’s position as the largest and best attended regional theatre in the country.

The Theatre Royal attracts thousands of visitors to the city and contributes an estimated £26m to the local economy.

The Arts Council funding is subject to the Theatre Royal raising an additional £2 million – of which £750,000 has already been secured. It is hoped that the remainder will come from business sponsors, supporters and trusts.

The ambitious regeneration project has been made possible thanks to a major partnership commitment by Plymouth City Council, which has already committed £2 million to the work.

The proposed redevelopment will see: • the re-cladding of the building helping to cut energy costs • an extension to the front of the building allowing level access • a new box office, shop and cafe area • an outdoor terrace • an extended restaurant • a new studio space in the basement which will provide a city centre location for work with young people and community groups.

The planned works which, if the theatre is successful in raising the additional funds, will begin in April 2013 and will take six months to complete.

The theatre would then reopen in September 2013 with the launch the first UK tour of the National Theatre’s production of War Horse.

During the theatre’s possible closure period plans are being discussed to run an alternative theatre at TR2, the Theatre Royal’s site in Cattedown.

32

the plymouth magazine

what’s on?

royal set illion pound ration Theatre Royal chief executive Adrian Vinken ‘delighted’

The theatre’s chief executive Adrian Vinken said: “We are delighted with and most grateful to the Arts Council for its endorsement of our plans to modernise and improve the Theatre Royal. We also want to thank the city council for its visionary partnership commitment without which the project could not possibly go ahead.

Christmas Fayre at Mount Edgcumbe

Back for the ninth year, and better than ever!

“We all want to ensure that the Theatre Royal remains Plymouth’s cultural centre of excellence and secure its future for generations to come. This regeneration project will not only reinvigorate the theatre itself, but it will also contribute to the regeneration of Plymouth, reflecting the city’s ambition and creativity, and its pride in its most significant cultural institution.”

Plymouth City Council Cabinet member for Finance, Councillor Mark Lowry said: “This is excellent news and hopefully it’s all systems go for the Theatre Royal’s regeneration plans. Here in Plymouth we have a theatre that is not only groundbreaking in its work with the community and its creativity, but has the third highest economic impact of all theatres in the UK after the National and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

“That is a phenomenal statistic and one that’s particularly striking in these tough economic times.

“We’ve been mindful of our own budget pressures and are delighted that we can support the theatre with its ambitions by being smarter with how we allocate funds – without spending any more council taxpayers’ money.”

Mr Vinken added: “Throughout the last 30 years the Theatre Royal has been blessed with incredibly loyal support and our heartfelt thanks go to those individuals and businesses who have already generously contributed to our fundraising campaign.

“There is still much work to be done but, even in these tough economic times, we are cautiously optimistic that the support of local people, however modest, will help ensure that the Theatre Royal continues to be the South West’s cultural beacon for the next 50 years.”

Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th December 2012 Inspirational cooking demonstrations from leading West Country chefs Local produce for your culinary delight Beautiful floral displays by Duchy College students Choose from a wide variety of local gifts and crafts Plus a programme full of entertainment, even a visit from Santa!

Entrance: £3 adults and £1 children Supported by Castle Kitchens, Lawsons and Hatch Marquees

Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park Cremyll Torpoint Cornwall PL10 1HZ Tel 01752 822 236 mt.edgcumbe@plymouth.gov.uk the plymouth magazine

33

what’s on?

theatres & shows Dec 31 Plymouth Jazz Club New Year’s Eve Party

Derriford Church Hall, Powisland Drive, Plymouth Featuring John Shillito’s Select Six. Details and tickets 01752 774343.

Jan 19 Emperor String Quartet

Sherwell Centre, Plymouth University Part of the Peninsula Arts Chamber Music Series.

PLEASE CHECK

We do our best to carry accurate information but please check with organisers to avoid disappointment.

More details available at www.plyclassical.co.uk

christmas concert box of festive musical treats The classic Christmas Music Box will be presented

by Clive Jenkins, the celebrated composer and pianist, with the support of the baritone Mark Boocock, in the Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery on Thursday December 6 at 1 pm.

This concert will be a joyous event with audience participation, and is in aid of the work of the Plymouth Music Accord, which is recognised by Plymouth City Council as the principal organisation for classical music in the city.

Mark Boocock

The Accord is made up of individuals, orchestras and choirs, and local music promoters, and helps to publicise and co-ordinate the performance and appreciation of live music.

Julian Lloyd Webber, the international cellist, is President of the Plymouth Music Accord and is particularly interested in the support the organisation gives to young musicians through the Young Musicians Platform which provides talented local young musicians with help to start their musical careers.

Tickets are £6.50 and available from the Plymouth City Museum Shop, Drake Circus, Plymouth Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm Tel: 01752 304774.

They can also be downloaded from the online box office: www.wegottickets.com/ event/155225 • A concert to celebrate 20 years of the International Series, filled with a cornucopia of wonderful music making, given by artists from Russia, China, USA, Argentina, Malaysia and many European countries as well as the UK will take place on March 7 next year. Full details in future editions.

Clive Jenkins

Jobel Ltd Next to the Ferry Port

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3 Bounds Place, Millbay Rd, Plymouth 34

the plymouth magazine

Bathrooms & Kitchens

major events League 2 Football

Dec 4 Argyle v Oxford (JPT) Dec 8 Argyle v York Dec 26 Argyle v Torquay Dec 29 Argyle v Wycombe Jan 12 Argyle v Morecambe Jan 26 Argyle v Accrington Stanley Feb 2 Argyle v Dagenham & Red Feb 16 Argyle v Oxford Championship Rugby

Dec 14 Dec 26 Jan 12 Jan 26

Albion v Aberavon (Cup) Albion v Cornish Pirates Albion v Rotherham (Cup) Albion v Moseley

British Basketball League

Dec 2 Dec 9 Dec 16 Dec 28 Jan 19 Jan 25

Raiders v Worcester Wolves Raiders v Newcastle Eagles Raiders v Leicester Riders Raiders v Worcester Raiders v Manchester Giants Raiders v Durham Wildcats

Until February Plymouth Winter Ice Rink

Piazza, City Centre The open air ice rink on the Piazza returns, and will be transforming into a Christmas Winter Wonderland.

Dec 2 Good Food Market

Royal William Yard The market showcases some of the best

local food and drink in the South West.

The market takes place between 10am and 3pm on The Green, Royal William Yard, Plymouth and will take place on the first Sunday of the month.

Until Dec 24 Santa’s Grotto

Frankfort Gate Treat all the family this Christmas with a visit to see Santa and his elves in his magical grotto!

Until Dec 24 Christmas Market

City Centre Plymouth Christmas Market will turn Armada Way and Cornwall Street into a bustling festive haven, with traditional European-style market stalls offering a whole range of delightful gifts. Market traders will also be selling festive food and drink, with treats including mulled wine and crepes to keep you warm.

the plymouth magazine

35

what’s on?

major events Dec 1 to Dec 24 Waterfront ‘Odd Window Out’ Trail

Barbican and Waterfront Plymouth Waterfront Partnership will be hosting a magical children’s trail competition to discover the ‘odd window out’ amongst the many individual and independent shops lining the festive waterfront streets.

Dec 6 Christmas Lantern Parade

City Centre One of the highlights of the city’s Winter Festival, the Twinkling Twilight Lantern Parade will see around 300 children from local schools in Plymouth working with local theatre company Stiltskin to create hundreds of fantastically creative paper lanterns, which will light up the city centre as the parade passes by.

Dec 12 Barbican Late Night Shopping

Barbican Shops, cafes and galleries on the historic quayside streets of the Barbican will welcome shoppers on by staying open until 8pm for late night Christmas shopping. With a whole host of independent retailers, the Barbican is the perfect place to find a truly unique gift, and there will also be mulled wine and seasonal treats on offer while you browse.

Dec 15 Plymouth Albion Christmas Party

Brickfields Stadium, Plymouth Dance the night away to the fantastic sounds from local band Risky Business & resident DJ till 1am.

Contact Plymouth Albion on 01752 565604 for details.

Dec 18 Plymouth Coca Cola Truck Tour

The Hoe, Plymouth For millions of people, the sight of the

famous Coca-Cola Christmas advert hails the beginning of the festive season, so fans in Plymouth are in for a real treat as the legendary trucks are set to spread happiness around the city as part of a UK and Ireland tour of over 60 locations. 1pm to 9pm

christmas open day at popular monkey sanctuary

Dec 26 to Jan 5 Cinderella on Ice

Plymouth Pavilions An evening of awe and wonder awaits as Theatre on Ice producers, Wild Rose, present the internationally acclaimed Russian Ice Stars in a truly magical production of the well loved fairytale, Cinderella. The high-speed combination of extraordinary skating, beautifully staged and breath-taking aerial feats will leave you mesmerised!

For tickets or further details call 0845 146 1460 or visit www.plymouthpavilions.com

Planning For Your Future?

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Like how to make sure that you and your loved ones are well looked after.

If you have an elderly relative, or you need some help managing your affairs, it can be difficult to know where to turn for advice.

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• Court of Protection work and Deputyships • Lasting Powers of Attorney Living Wills/Advance Directives • Funding of care home fees and the community • care rules Wills and Estate Planning • Rest assured, we understand how to deal with someone who may be a little confused or nervous, and we are experienced at putting people at their ease.

We can even arrange to see you or your relative at home if it makes things easier.

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03/04/2012 12:38

family stuff

The popular Monkey Sanctuary near Looe may be closed for the winter, but there will be a chance for families to visit one last time in 2012 with its Christmas Open Day on Sunday December 9.

Events at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Drake Circus Wild About Plymouth

The Sanctuary offers a great day out for all the family, with wildlife gardens, children’s activity room, workshops, gift shop, café and picnic areas.

Dec 19: Dino-Snores 6pm to 9pm Join the team for a dinosaur-themed pyjama party! Bring in a pillow or cushion and a blanket and remember to wear your favourite nightclothes. Enjoy some games and craft activities, see fossils from the natural history collections and then listen to some dinosaur stories before heading home for bed. On-street parking is available on Tavistock Place and Regent Street to the rear of the Museum. Public car parks can be found on Regent Street and in the Drake Circus shopping Mall. Admission free advance booking essential.

For more information visit the website at www.monkeysanctuary.org

Jan 25 The Night Sky 6.30pm to 9pm at Roborough Downs, Dartmoor, Devon

The Sanctuary will be open from 11am to 4.30pm and entrance is just £1 per person.

There will be mince pies, mulled wine and raffle tickets on sale as well as the chance to buy some Christmas gifts from the ethical and fair trade gift shop.

The Sanctuary, which is run by leading conservation and primate welfare charity Wild Futures, cares for a range of different species of monkeys all rescued from the UK and international primate pet trades.

£3 per adult. £2 per child. Under 5s go free - advance booking essential.

To infinity and beyond! Come and see the splendour of the night sky, hunt out the planets, spot the constellations and learn about the universe. You can also examine some real meteorites from the collections of Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery. Wear warm clothes and bring camping chairs, rugs or sleeping bags to sit or lie on. If you have a telescope or binoculars bring them along too. Telescopes, torches, hot drinks and snacks will be provided. The car park is the first turning on the left past the Dartmoor Diner. Meet at Yelverton Rock.

Advance booking by Jan 18 is essential.

Booking form at www.plymouth.gov.uk/ museumwildaboutplymouth.

Family Activities

Family fun sessions for the holidays.

Aimed at children aged 4 to 11, but wrigglers and siblings are welcome.

Admission is free and there is no need to book. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Drop in for as little or as long as you like. These sessions can get busy. All sessions are from 10.30am to 1pm unless stated.

the plymouth magazine

37

what’s on?

family stuff Pick Up a Penguin Dec 1 10am to 12 noon. Admission free - no need to book.Go in and make a penguin decoration to go on the Christmas tree in the Museum foyer.

Festive Robins and Angels Dec 8 10am to 12 noon. Admission free - no need to book. Make Christmas decorations to take home for your tree inspired by our collections.

Pyramids and Papyrus Jan 26 1.30pm to 2.15pm and 2.30pm to 3.15pm. As part of National Storytelling Week join a professional storyteller at for some amazing tales inspired by ancient Egypt.

Make and Take

Make something then take it home with our seasonal creative sessions aimed at children aged five to 11 (all of whom must be accompanied by a responsible adult). Sessions run from 11am to 12 noon and 1.30pm to 2.30pm. Admission

is free. Advance booking is essential on 01752 304774. Call on the day to see if any last-minute places are available although there is no guarantee any will remain.

stitching to create a unique furoshiko perfect for wrapping even the most awkwardly shaped present! £18 per person.

Christmas Cheer Dec 15 Get into the Christmas spirit with some festive creative activities at the City Museum and Art Gallery. 11am to 12noon and 1.30pm to 2.30pm

Cremyll 01752 822236

Various dates Contemporary Craft Workshops

Develop your creative skills with these sessions, which are suitable for all abilities and run from 10.30am to 3.30pm. All materials are supplied unless otherwise stated, but please bring your own lunch and an apron if you have one. Booking and payment in advance essential. Call 01752 304774.

Mount Edgcumbe Dec 8 and 9 Christmas Fayre

Back for the ninth year, the Christmas Fayre will be better than ever! The fayre will run from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday and include inspirational demonstrations from leading West Country chefs along with local produce. A wide variety of crafts and gifts will also be available.

Admission adults £3, children £1.

Nov 3: Alternative Eco Wrapping Originating from Japanese culture where it promotes caring for the environment and reducing waste; Furoshiki is the eco-friendly wrapping cloth. Combine simple textile printing and dyeing techniques to decorate the fabric and finish with sashiko hand

Fun for all the family at local artist Claire Packer’s festive workshop!

Dec 15 Buckland by Candlelight

Explore the atmospheric Abbey after dark. Enjoy costumed characters, Christmas music and a glass of mulled wine.

Dec 16

Festive Family Felting

Jan 19 Wassail!

Join in, make some noise, and wake the apple trees from their winter slumber!

Cotehele Saltash 01579 351346

Various dates from Dec 3 Top Gun

Plympton 01752 333503

Take a closer look at the guns that usually hang on the walls in Cotehele House.

Dec 8 Carols in the Courtyard

Dec 8 and 15 Walk in the Woods

Saltram

Visit the historic Stables Courtyard, for a good old-fashioned festive sing along.

Dec 15 and 16 Christmas at Saltram

Join us for a 5 mile walk around the woods on the Cotehele Estate, finishing with lunch (optional) and a visit to see the famous Garland. Booking essential.

Find out about Christmas through the ages at Saltram House. A free fun event for the whole family.

Dec 15, 16, 22, 23, 24 Mother and Father Christmas

Jan 19 Wassail!

Meet Mother and Father Christmas at Cotehele.

Visit the Saltram Orchard to learn about and take part in the ancient custom of wassailing, which will help guarantee a good crop of apples for 2013.

Afterwards apple related light food and drinks. Booking essential.

Buckland Abbey Yelverton 01822 853607

Dec 4 Carols in the Barn

Join the Salvation Army Band in the Great Barn to enjoy some Christmas carols and the in the festive spirit.

Booking essential. Tickets £2.50 Dec 7 to Dec 23 Christmas at the Abbey

Fun for all the family in a relaxed and the plymouth magazine

Dec 9 Silk Christmas Cards

Make your own special Christmas decorations with a local artist.

Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fayre

38

festive atmosphere. The Abbey will be decorated with festive displays including a Victorian Christmas Kitchen and Father Christmas will be visiting every weekend.

Dec 22 Let’s Wassail!

Get out your bright clothes, dig out your loud instruments and come and help us scare away the evil spirits in the Cotehele Orchards.

Until Dec 31 The Christmas Gallery

Masses of unique gifts of art for all pockets.

PLEASE CHECK

We do our best to carry accurate information but please check with organisers to avoid disappointment.

National Trust events can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Traditional Wassail celebrations will be taking place at National Trust properties in the Plymouth area in December and January

FREE 500ml tub of Luxury Langage Ice Cream when you purchase one of our delicious Christmas Specialities (Free ice cream available in selected flavours) Offer available until 31st Dec 2012

Select from the following Christmas ice cream Specialities: Ice Cream Christmas Gateaux - Tiramisu and Vanilla Amaretti ice cream on a light sponge with a layer of chocolate sauce Available in several exquisite flavours Luxury Christmas Pudding ice cream - Full of vine fruits, almonds, Captain Morgan’s rum and Courvoisier Brandy Luxury Ice Cream Bombs.

- A 140ml portion of ice cream dipped into rick dark Belgian chocolate (3 in a box!)

Available in several exquisite flavours Offer open until 31st December 2012 at our Langage Farm Shop,

The Ridgeway, Plympton, Plymouth

01752 346250 Don’t forget your cream by post for Christmas - last booking date 16/12/12 Also Available

Design your own hamper for a more personal touch

www.langagefarm.com the plymouth magazine

39

what’s on?

WE CAN OFFER YOU EXCELLENT PRICES ON ALL OF OUR RANGE OF WOOD & MULTI FUEL – WITHOUT THE INTERNET AND MAKING A FACELESS PURCHASE

exhbitions & other events

Good Quality Stoves Events at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Drake Circus

We can Compare To Any Recognised Stove Company In the UK Experienced Staff With Good Helpful Advice Live Stoves Installation Team (HETAS Registered)

So Before You Try Outside The West Country Speak to Us

Various dates Art Bite Tours

SAL E

Fancy spending your lunchtime taking a bite-sized look at the Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery’s collections and changing exhibitions? Then why not join members of staff at 1pm on the dates below for a 30-minute tour?

Admission is free but places are limited.

Collect a ticket from the Museum’s Welcome Desk or contact the museum.

Dec 5: Eastlake, Plymouth and his Circle; Dec 12: Looking at Landscape Until Dec 15 In Pursuit of Art

Charles Eastlake (1793-1865), painter, scholar and arts administrator, was born in Plymouth and went on to become President of the Royal Academy and the first Director of the National Gallery, London. This exhibition will investigate his artistic development and his activities as a central figure of the Victorian art world and is being produced in partnership with the National Gallery.

Until Jan 12 New Light on Newlyn

40

A new exhibition at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery is shedding New Light on Newlyn and exploring historic and contemporary art inspired by the Cornish fishing port. Newlyn was the centre of a famous art colony from the 1880s and continues to inspire artists today with its scenery, coast and quality of light. ‘New Light on Newlyn’ includes works from the Museum’s permanent collections by famous artists such as Stanhope Forbes, Norman Garstin and John Noble Barlow. It also features a series of new contemporary work produced by selected members of the Newlyn Society of Artists (NSA). Exhibition opening hours are 10am to 5.30pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 5pm Saturday.

The exhibition is closed Sunday and Monday and also for Christmas and the New Year from Sunday December 23 2012. It will re-open after the festive break on January 2. Admission is free and there is no need to book. Full details of the programme are available from www.plymouthmuseum.gov.uk or 01752 304774. the plymouth magazine

chance to More independent European films are set to come to Plymouth.

Plymouth Arts Centre, in Looe Street, has received funding from Europa Cinemas to screen more European and subtitled, independent films in its 61-seat cinema.

The funding was achieved by joining together with other cinemas including those in Reading, Derby and Ludlow to ensure enough cinema attendees to satisfy the requirements of the European network which promotes the circulation of European films.

Established in 1992, Europa Cinemas has set up an initiative in the film exhibition sector creating the first international film theatre network for the circulation of European films.

As part of the media programme of the European Union, and with the support of the Centre National de la Cinématographie, Europa Cinemas supports the screening of films in over 800 cinemas in 31 countries.

The aims of Europa Cinemas include increasing European programming in film theatres and to raise attendance, particularly with regard to European non-national films.

NEW YEAR NEW CAREER Jan 12 to April 13 Ida Kar: Bohemian Photographer

Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery In 1960 Ida Kar became the first photographer to have a retrospective exhibition at a major London art gallery.

Despite receiving public and critical acclaim from her contemporaries, she is surprisingly unknown today, yet she was instrumental in encouraging the acceptance of photography as a fine art and her subjects included some of the most celebrated figures from the literary and art worlds of 1950s and 1960s Europe and Russia.

This exhibition will be drawn from the Ida Kar Archive, acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in 1999 and will include around 40 of her portraits.

A number of the artists Kar photographed are represented in the Museum’s permanent collections and selected works by them will also be on display.

Free Accounting (AAT) courses starting in January.

School Leavers - you don’t have to go to university these days to become an accountant. In fact, you can be £40,000 better off by becoming one via an Apprenticeship in Accounting. We will help suitable candidates find an employer to enable you to start an Accounting Apprenticeship and do your AAT training with us.

Unemployed and in receipt of benefits – we may be able to obtain Government funding to pay for you to do an AAT course with us and help you get that all important first step on the job ladder.

Employers - Did you know that everyone who is employed a minimum of 30hrs per week (and not a graduate) can obtain apprenticeship funding regardless of age? If you are looking to recruit a new apprentice or further develop your existing workforce, we can help to reduce training/recruitment costs. Currently there is a grant of £1,500 available to organisations employing less than 250 employees who have not had an Apprentice in the last 12 months.

Existing AAT students – already doing Levels 2-4? Looking to progress to the next level? Contact us to see if we can help you/ your employer by reducing costs For more information and/or to check eligibility, contact us now 01752 256610 or download an enrolment form from www.aplustraining.co.uk and submit ASAP.

see top european films

A scene from the Danish film The Hunt which will be screened at the Plymouth Arts Centre

It also aims to encourage exhibitors to develop European initiatives aimed at young audiences as well as promoting diversity within European programming.

Plymouth Arts Centre film programmer, Anna Navas said: “This support means that we can continue to support the European film industry which produces an incredibly varied, thought-provoking and entertaining amount of films that don’t often benefit from the kind of marketing and advertising that the big mainstream American films get.”

Danish film, The Hunt, is one of the subtitled films being screened at

Plymouth Arts Centre, supported by this funding.

The Hunt runs from December 7 to 13 and more information about the film and other films during December can be found by visiting the organisation’s website at www.plymouthartscentre. org.

Opening hours for the Galleries and Box Office are Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 8.30pm and on Sunday from 4pm to 8.30pm. The café bar is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 8.30pm. Details and ticket information from the Box Office on 01752 206114. the plymouth magazine

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food matters

Festive Christmas lunch £16.00 £14.00 Two Course £11.00 Main Course Available from Saturday 1st December 2012 till Sunday 23rd December 2012 (Mondays closed) A £5.00 deposit per person is required to confirm booking.

Leek and potato soup served with Cheddar croutons Smoked salmon slices on salad leaves with spiced prawn dressing and fresh lemon Served with freshly baked roll and butter ~:~

Butter roasted Turkey breast

seasoned with herbs and black pepper, served with festive

Yorkshire pudding filled with bacon wrapped chipolata, sage and onion stuffing ball and roast jus

Spiced Pork chop on sweet potato,

garnished with roasted conference pear and roast jus

Cheddar and vegetable “toad in the hole” bake with roast pepper sauce (v)

Served with roast potatoes, buttered carrots and Brussels sprouts ~:~ Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce Vanilla Panna cotta served with soft berry compote Crisp pavlova meringue with chocolate ganache cream Fresh fruit salad in vanilla and passion fruit syrup served with quenelle of Devon clotted cream

Fresh filter coffee/tea available (£2.00) extra

rock salt celebrates its first year with first spot!

Plymouth’s Rock Salt Café and Brasserie has been open for little more than a year – but it’s already the most popular eatery in the city.

That’s according to the website Trip Advisor where customer reviews have been so positive that the Rock Salt is the No.1 choice for diners.

Family-run Rock Salt has also been shortlisted in the café category of the Food Magazine Reader Awards for 2013.

“We’re delighted that we’re so popular with our customers, “ said Chantel Jenkins, who runs the restaurant with her husband, award-winning chef Dave Jenkins and other members of his family.

“When we opened Rock Salt at the end of November last year we had absolutely no idea that it would be so successful. It’s been an amazing year and we sometimes have to pinch ourselves to believe it’s true.”

Such has been Rock Salt’s success that they have taken on around 20 new staff since opening. “When we first opened it was just me and Dave, his mum Jean, sisters Louise and Sarah and some casual help.

“Now we have two sous chefs, two apprentices and more than a dozen front of house staff,” said Chantel.

Rock Salt is located at 31, Stonehouse Street in Rock Salt signature dish: confit of duck what was formerly The Mechanics Arms pub. Dave’s with walnut gnocchi father Steve acquired the property in the summer of 2010 after the pub had closed and undertook a 12-month refurbishment programme which has transformed the old pub into a busy and popular eatery.

Chantel said that the family’s decision to open the Rock Salt in Stonehouse was influenced by the continued regeneration of the Millbay area.

“Millbay has changed dramatically in recent years and we believe we are well placed to benefit from that in the years ahead,” said Chantel.

“We felt there was definitely room for a family-run bistro style restaurant and have been absolutely overwhelmed with the way the business has grown so dramatically.”

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the plymouth magazine

Celebrating...Dave Jenkins with his mum Jean and wife Chantel

When the family opened Rock Salt they thought it would predominantly rely on café and takeaway trade. But it has been lunchtime and particularly evening dinner trade which has rocketed.

Lunch and dinner is available now from Tuesdays to Saturdays, but with less than 30 covers available in the cosy dining area, demand frequently outstrips the places available.

“We frequently have to turn people away at the weekends because we are so busy,” said Jean Jenkins, who assists Chantel with front of house operations.

“I had to disappoint about 40 customers one Saturday recently because we were already fully booked, despite running two separate sittings from 5.30pm onwards.

The family are now hoping to convert office space on the first floor into an additional dining area during 2013 to cope with the ever-increasing demand.

“This should give us an additional 20 covers and also provide a perfect location for private dining, meetings and so on,” added Jean.

Due to customer demand, Rock Salt is now also open for Sunday brunch and top-of-the-range Sunday roasts. “We’re not trying to compete with the carveries Rock Salt signature dish: braised Cornish brill or pub lunches,” with langoustine scampi and bouillabaisse nage said Chantel, “but if you want a fantastic Sunday roast, our sirloin of beef and roast pork are well worth a try!”

At the heart of Rock Salt’s success is the creativity of head chef Dave, who has worked at some of the South West’s top restaurants in the past.

His culinary skill and innovative dishes have helped ensure that Rock Salt is the place everyone is talking about.

Rock Salt Café and Brasserie, Stonehouse Street, Plymouth Tel 01752 225522 website www.rocksaltcafe.co.uk the plymouth magazine

43

food matters

recipe of the month Special Offer: Portrait sitting & 10”x 8” Mounted Photo only £30. Vouchers Available

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slow roast pork with pears and celeriac mash Serves 4 2 tbsp oil for frying 1-1.5kg pork joint suitable for slow cooking eg. shoulder or spare rib 500ml cider 2 sprigs rosemary 1 bay leaf sea salt & ground black pepper 3 pears, cored, each cut into 6 wedges For the mash: 600g potatoes, peeled & diced weight 400g celeriac, peeled & diced weight sea salt & ground white pepper 2 dsp double cream knob of butter Heat the oil in a deep flame and oven-proof casserole. Fry the pork on three sides (except the fatty skin side, which will become crackling) to seal and brown. Turn it skin side up and pour in the cider, without covering the crackling. Add the rosemary and bay leaf and season with pepper. Rub sea salt into the fat. Heat until the cider is just starting to boil. Transfer to the oven and cook slowly at 140°C for 2½ hours.

Add the pears and cook for another 30 mins. Remove the pork and pears from the liquid and cut off the crackling. Put the crackling and pears in a baking dish, turn up the oven to very hot and bake until the crackling is crisp. Keep the meat wrapped in foil to keep warm. While you’re crisping the crackling, boil the liquid to reduce by about a quarter to a third. To make the mash, put the potatoes in a pan of salted boiling water. Cook for 3-4 mins, add the celeriac and cook for another 8-10 mins, until both are tender. Drain and mash (use a potato ricer if you have one). Return to the pan and stir in the cream and butter. Season well to taste. Reheat to serve if needed. Vegetarians could try this celeriac mash to top leeks in cheese sauce.

for more information and recipes visit www.riverford.co.uk call ian + emma on 01752 790703 44

the plymouth magazine

the plymouth magazine

45

kitchen matters

the kitchen gospel – Lee Stockton

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according to nathan damarell

Kitchen expert Nathan Damarell is a man on a mission – to change the way homeowners think about their kitchens.

“Most customers come to us with fixed ideas on the type of cabinets and appliances they want,” said Nathan of KF Kitchens, who are based at Faraday Mill, Plymouth.

“But choosing the style of kitchen should be the end of the process, not the beginning,” he said. “We look at the whole dynamic of the home and the family lifestyle, which inevitably has a big impact on what happens in the kitchen.

“With the increasing trend towards larger living space and open plan homes, the kitchen is more and more the focal point of family life. It is most important that the design and layout of the kitchen reflects that fact.

TARGETED, AFFORDABLE, EFFECTIVE

“When we consider what’s best for the customer’s requirements we look at the actual living space and how it can best be used and then come up with a design concept. The choice of the actual style of kitchen and appliances then becomes a secondary issue.”

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KF Kitchens are in the ideal position to give homeowners a clear picture of how their kitchen can be transformed. With a 40,000 square feet showroom featuring more than 30 fully-assembled kitchen designs on display, KF Kitchens can cater for every taste and budget.

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KF Kitchens have recently extended their showroom display by converting what was previously office space into a new 300 square foot room setting incorporating a dining area and fully-fitted kitchen.

“We want customers to see just how to make the best use of space and we believe the creation of this new display will certainly help that process.”

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46

the plymouth magazine

The display features a stylish kitchen combining natural oak finish with sage The KF Kitchens team – Derinda and coloured painted timber and Nathan Damarell with Simon Rice with solid stone quartz worktops, supplied by Mayflower Stone of Plymouth. An integral built-in stone sink is also featured, along with NEFF slide-away ovens, built-in NEFF fridge and NEFF induction hob.

To complete the picture, the room set also feature solid oak furniture supplied by

The newly-installed room setting at KF Kitchens showing how dining and kitchen space can be utilised

Plymouth-based Inspired:Rooms and stylish Karndean flooring from Furnishing Collections, who are based in the same building as KF Kitchens.

It took six weeks to create the new room setting, but Nathan and the team at KF Kitchens firmly believe it will help customers to understand the importance of making the most of the living space available.

“We have already had a very positive reaction from customers,” said Nathan, “and it has certainly helped reinforce our design ethos.”

This latest development by KF Kitchens underlines their determination to stay at the forefront of kitchen design and installation in the South West.

Despite the collapse of many of the big-name national kitchen companies, KF Kitchens continues to go from strength to strength.

“We’ve had a very good year in 2012 - despite the problems caused by ongoing roadworks in the area which have affected many of the businesses in Faraday Mill.”

KF Kitchens did the equivalent of 10 months’ trading in the first three months of 2012, which underlines their commitment to total customer satisfaction.

“Our philosophy is that we don’t sell kitchens, we help our customers to buy one.

We take the journey with our customers, helping them to make the most of the space available, designing a kitchen which meets their precise needs, advising them on appliances and materials and then overseeing the installation,” said Nathan.

“We offer a fully bespoke solution at a cost which is comparable with off-the-shelf alternatives offered by the big stores and national chains and go the extra mile to ensure that our customers are not only satisfied, but delighted,” he said.

There are no less than 40 customer testimonials on the KF Kitchens website which reflect their success in achieving that goal.

For more information: KF Kitchens, Faraday Mill Business Park, Plymouth 01752 255022 www.kfkitchens.co.uk Opening hours 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday; Saturday 9am to 4.30pm. the plymouth magazine

47

soggy summers spark a rush for As another year draws to a close, the travel industry is reflecting on the unpredictable peaks and troughs it has come to expect with 2012 being no different to recent years.

There is no doubt whatsoever that once again the truly horrendous British summer weather boosted overseas holiday bookings for ourselves and many other travel agents.

More significantly, however, I think as we look back on what must be our fifth consecutive miserable summer (weatherwise), it seems many people have finally accepted that British summers with wall to wall sunshine are a thing of the past and going abroad is the only way to guarantee a spell of the al fresco lifestyle we all crave.

We have also witnessed the recent strengthening of the pound against the Euro by almost 25% making our spending money in Europe go that much further.

The past few years have seen a weaker pound and stronger Euro with an exchange rate of virtually 1 for 1 meaning that we have been forced to accept relatively poor value for money when eating and drinking out and spending on holiday in Europe.

By Travel Expert Anthony Goord

This has led to many travellers booking all inclusive holidays as opposed to the more traditional selfcatering and half board options. All inclusive resorts, which originally became popular with holidays to the Caribbean islands, have therefore also become the popular choice when holidaying in European destinations and beyond.

To satisfy customer demand, many complexes have been newly constructed or developed throughout the Mediterranean to offer four and five star all inclusive resorts with a wide choice of restaurants and extensive activity programmes for all ages.

Personally, I feel that this ‘holiday village’ type of environment is much better suited to families rather than couples. The concept is great for families with youngsters who require unlimited ice cream and organised entertainment, but if you would prefer to avoid large numbers of children and occasionally escape the resort in search of local cuisine and culture, I would certainly consider looking at other options.

The other issue surrounding all inclusive holidays, particularly in Europe, is that many of the older established hotels are also trying to incorporate an all inclusive package but do not have the facilities to properly cater for guests staying on this basis.

I know of several hotels in Spain which offer an all inclusive option but only have one restaurant and one bar. This can only give guests a sense of monotony which, in my experience, can lead to boredom and forces people to leave the hotel for a change of scenery and cuisine.

In this instance, some holidaymakers may very well question whether they would

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travel matters

the sun abroad have been better off booking a self catering or bed and breakfast option in the first place, which would give them the freedom to wander around the resort and eat out at a different venue each night.

This question has obviously become more relevant in recent months as the pound strengthens and we benefit from substantially better value for money when eating out in European resorts.

I have been fortunate to have stayed in some excellent all inclusive resorts, hotels and ships, which I would highly recommend. However, these have tended to be of a very high standard, which can be reflected in the price but is also necessary to avoid monotony and guarantee consistently good quality food, entertainment and facilities.

I predict that the all inclusive concept is certainly here to stay but I suspect that as time goes by, a growing sector of the market (couples in particular) will revert to more traditional types of holiday where they are not tied to their accommodation and can taste local culture, resulting in an overall better holiday experience.

As the owner of a local business, I have always tried to help promote other local companies as much as possible as we feel it is important to support each other for the benefit of the region. A co-travel agent and personal friend of mine has recently acquired the coach operator Truronian.

Based in Cornwall and offering coach holidays to over 50 destinations throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe, Truronian are in their 26th year of operation and have just released a new 48-page brochure for 2013 packed with holiday choices.

What sets Truronian apart from other coach operators is that all their holidays are over five days in duration and they offer a unique home pick up service, which involves a taxi from your home to the nearest pick-up point.

If you have any difficulty handling your luggage, this service is invaluable as porterage from your door is included in the holiday price. With every departure, they also have a small allocation of rooms with no single room supplement to pay so if you are travelling alone and book early, substantial savings can be made.

Holidays include a ‘Hebridean Odyssey’ departing in May; a superb nine-day island hopping tour taking in the Outer Hebrides along with the Isles of Barra and Lewis in Scotland.

Alternatively, in August you can visit ‘Downton Abbey’, which will be a must for all the avid followers of the hit TV series or perhaps consider a 10-day tour to the ‘Splendour of the Italian Lakes’ in September.

With no overnight land travel and pick-ups in Plymouth on all their departures, this truly is a brochure worth looking at. If you would like to reserve a copy, please pop in or give us call.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the readers, contributors and staff of the Plymouth Magazine a wonderful Christmas and a very happy and prosperous New Year. Happy Christmas holidays!

Peter Goord Travel Tel 01752 364186 www.petergoordtravel.co.uk the plymouth magazine

49

university researchers study the cause of cravings and habits Have you been trying to give up smoking? This October a nationwide campaign called ‘Stoptober’ took place, giving smokers help and support to kick the habit.

Psychologists at Plymouth University have been finding ways to give people the willpower they need to quit smoking.

The idea behind Stoptober was to build on the ‘Ash Wednesday’ events that take place each spring, but instead of lasting for just one day, to help people to give up for a whole month.

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This is because research has shown that people who manage to give up for four or five weeks at a time are most likely to succeed and not fall back into smoking.

Stoptober provided daily support and encouragement throughout the month to help people manage the cravings that come with quitting.

The team at Plymouth University have been studying the cravings that come when people are trying not to smoke, and why they are such a problem.

“Everyone feels cravings,” says Professor Jackie Andrade, “they are a perfectly natural everyday experience. They remind us when we are hungry, or thirsty. They don’t always mean that we have to eat or drink, though. Smokers’ cravings work in the same way.”

Cravings can predict when people are most likely to fail in their attempt to quit. The strength of the craving people report first thing in the morning, for that first cigarette of the day, rises a day or two before people give in and ‘just have that one’ – but then they are back to square one, and have to start all over again.

Professor Andrade’s team have found that there are two parts to a craving.

Cravings seem to start when the thought of smoking suddenly pops into your head, and then your attention gets grabbed by that thought, and you start to think about it more and more.

Of course, thoughts do not really come out of the blue, but are triggered by things around you, by other things you are thinking about, or by your body.

“Your body notices that the nicotine it is used to isn’t there, so it reminds you. It doesn’t know you are quitting,” says Professor Andrade.

The problem is how to resist what your body is telling you. Once the thought has popped into your head, it is hard to get rid of, because you are thinking about something that you like doing. You remember all the nice things about doing it, and

health matters

By Dr Caroline Floccia of the University of Plymouth’s School of Psychology that makes it more likely that you’ll carry on thinking about it, and this is what starts a craving.

One of the things that makes a craving strong is seeing the cigarette in your mind’s eye, and picturing yourself smoking, perhaps imagining what the packet looks like, and where it is.

Imagining what something looks like is all part of the normal process your mind goes through when planning how to find it, and the Plymouth University research has been finding ways of weakening this process, so that people are more able to resist their cravings.

They have been studying a range of tasks that use the same mental resources that the cravings rely on, such as visual imagery. “If we can give people a task to do that uses mental images‚“ says Professor Andrade, “then those images compete with the craving images, and can crowd them out.”

This makes the craving weaker, and lets it fade away by itself. Another strategy is to help people recognise that cravings are just thoughts, and don’t mean that you have to act upon them.

“A thought is just a thought, you can let it go. You don’t have to feel guilty because your body is reminding you about cigarettes.”

In fact, your body’s need for nicotine fades quite quickly, and that is part of the reason for Stoptober’s success. If you can give up for four weeks, then your body will get used to the absence of nicotine, and will stop reminding you for more.

You’ll still be reminded about smoking by things you see and think about, but you will know that you are no longer a smoker, and can spend all that money on nicer things.

If you would like to take part in studies in psychology, please contact the PSYLAB on 01752 584853 or visit www.plymouthpsylab.org.

We are also interested in how children develop, so if you have a child aged 0 to 6 years and you would like to contribute to research, please contact us at the BABYLAB on 01752 584865 or visit www.plymouthbabylab.org.

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51

travel matters

the former bus driver who is steering citybus into a brighter future Twenty years ago Richard Stevens was a bus driver in Cornwall. Today he heads up Plymouth Citybus, overseeing an organisation which carries nearly 15 million passengers a year.

said. “I really wanted to do my homework and find out how Citybus was performing. A lot of people I spoke to were very unhappy about the quality and reliability of the service and I could see that there was huge potential for improvement.”

His career in buses began in 1989 when he was made redundant from his previous job and decided he wanted to be a driver. “I had the choice of being a lorry driver or a bus driver and as I didn’t fancy being on my own all the time, I took my PSV (public service vehicle) licence,” he quipped.

He said he went to London for the interview determined to convince the panel to appoint him to the post. “I went there to sell them my vision of what Citybus could and should be as a bus company.”

It was the starting point for a career that has seen him moving steadily up the ranks of the biggest bus companies in the South West – but he has always seen the Citybus job as the pinnacle of a transport career.

“Citybus has a great heritage and I am proud and privileged to be its managing director,” said Richard, who took up the post in May this year.

When he heard that the position was available he went out of his way to ensure he got the job.

Even though he was working for another company in Exeter, he spent as much spare time as possible prior to the job interview travelling on buses in Plymouth, talking to passengers and drivers.

“They had no idea who I was, but people were really open and frank with me,” he

His tactics worked and Richard was appointed to take charge of a transport undertaking which employs over 450 staff, operates 169 buses and has an annual revenue of more than £18 million.

Born and brought up in Devon, Richard has worked in the West Country throughout his career in the bus industry.

After gaining his PSV licence he joined Western National in Penzance driving on local routes and also at the wheel of National Express coaches, as well as spending time as a relief controller.

When the depot in Penzance was closed Richard transferred to Camborne, again spending time as a coach driver on national routes before taking on the relief controller role again and eventually being appointed as an inspector in Truro.

Further promotion followed when he was appointed acting general manager in Barnstaple and then became general manager for Cornwall.

In 2002 he joined First Devon and Cornwall as its operations director before being taken on by Stagecoach in Exeter in a similar role in 2004.

“I applied for a senior post at Citybus at about the same time, but was unsuccessful,” said Richard.

But his chance came earlier this year when the Go Ahead group - which acquired Citybus in 2009 – gave Richard the chance to run the whole Plymouth operation. “I really wanted to do this job as I firmly believe that Citybus has the potential to be an award-winning operator.

“The sale of Citybus to Go Ahead was traumatic for the passengers, staff and politicians alike, but we have moved on from there. People used to tell me the sale of the company was wrong, but now they are more interested in how we can take things forward,” said Richard.

“I could see that it was not fulfilling its potential and there appeared to be little belief in itself as a business.

“I really want this company to fly and I believe that I have learned enough over the years to know what works and what doesn’t work. At the end of the day our customers want a reliable, punctual service with clean buses and helpful staff.

“Historically, around a quarter of our services were not running on time. That is simply unacceptable and we have endeavoured with the new network – which was launched in November – to meet the needs of our passengers in terms of connectivity and punctuality.”

Richard said that Citybus had invested £500,000 in overhauling its network and introduced 29 new timetables.

“We spent months talking to our customers asking them what they wanted. We created a special Chatterbus so that passengers could meet us face to face and tell us what they wanted.

“I met literally hundreds of passengers and have listened to their views and concerns. A lot of them were very angry with the standard of service and that is not good enough.”

“People wanted more buses in the evenings and on Sundays and we have delivered that with the new network. It is now also possible to travel from one side of the city to the other side of the city with a maximum of one change.”

He said that around 95 per cent of Citybus vehicles were now running on time, but he wanted to see that improve further.

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“During the first week of the new network I drove one of our buses for a day so that I could get feedback from passengers and I will be doing that again in the near future.

Citybus managing director Richard Stevens...just as happy behind the wheel as he is behind his desk

“As managing director of Citybus I am answerable to my customers, my staff and the local civic leaders and I want to ensure that their views are listened to and acted upon.”

He said that he was proud of the Citybus staff. “I am hugely fortunate to have such a fantastic team of people working here. Many of them have been with Citybus all their working lives, such is the loyalty to the business. We held a long service awards evening recently when over 1,400 years’ of service by staff was recognised.

“The staff are really behind what we are doing here and I want to keep it that way.”

He said that Citybus faced major challenges going forward, particularly the rising cost of fuel and other operating costs. “Our fuel bill has increased 30 per cent year on year and it puts even more pressure on our ability to generate an acceptable level of profits.”

He said that despite the cost of operating school buses, he remained committed to providing this service. “The value and benefits of this service to the community as a whole far outweigh the savings we would make if we reduced the number of school buses.”

Richard said that investment in the fleet and technology would continue. “We have invested £1.7m in new vehicles this year alone and also introduced our Smartcard which is already being regularly used by 13,000 customers.

“We have made it possible for passengers to pay for tickets on the phone, at paypoints, via their mobile and on the internet and our new mobile app has already been downloaded by 2,500 customers. We believe we are well ahead of many other bus operators in this respect.”

Customers will soon also be able to purchase tickets at a new Citybus travel shop in Royal Parade. “I am excited about this new shop and believe it is the perfect place for us to be in the heart of the city. It will be great for passengers and and staff alike and there will also be facilities for our drivers.

“I believe there is a real desire from everyone involved to see Citybus succeed and I am determined to play my part in seeing that fulfilled.”

the plymouth magazine

53

A

De PP ad LY lin N e 15 O th W Ja ! n

By Jill Hill of Thompson & Jackson Solicitors

Marine Academy Plymouth is opening a brand new primary school on its campus in Trevithick Road, St Budeaux.

If you want your child to attend Marine Academy Primary (MAP2) in Reception or Year 1 you need to apply now!

Come to our special events on 13th December and 10th January to find out more, and apply on the spot. We’ll show you what the school will look like, you can talk to staff and we’ll answer any questions you have.

At Thompson and Jackson we spend a lot of our time helping clients with advice on care home fees, trusts, lasting powers of attorney, wills and a whole range of legal issues where our clients want sensible and clear advice at fair and fixed fee prices.

You will also have the opportunity to see our new buildings.

But often a call will be from someone telling us that a friend or relative has died.

We are used to helping in this situation and aware that the person calling is likely to be grieving, often shocked by what has happened and not necessarily ready to make decisions or understand properly what has to happen legally concerning the assets of the person who has died.

Both evenings are 5 - 6.30pm with free refreshments.

If you’re applying independently via Plymouth City Council’s website you need to indicate Marine Academy Primary as your first choice.

www.map2.org.uk

In such situations, I am sensitive about what the family are able and willing to cope with.

These days, apart from solicitors, there are lots of other people who want to get involved when someone has died – banks and even funeral directors have businesses offering probate services.

Often their customers get steamrollered into signing paperwork which commits them to very expensive - and sometimes unecessary - legal services, because they don’t realise what has happened until it is too late.

Big businesses tend to deal with peoples’ estates just as a ‘process’ and often

ry a m i r P w e n A SCHOOL

Any queries with application process please contact PCC School Admissions on 01752 307166

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the plymouth magazine

helping

legal matters

families during difficult times don’t take into account those personal things that real people need.

These days, many people want to deal with everything themselves, and that can work very well. However, there are a number of traps for the unwary, and we are often asked to pick up the pieces when the family have started to deal with things themselves, and then find that they are out of their depth.

For example, people don’t realise that if they are executors and they pay a debt of the estate in full, they have made themselves legally liable for all the debts in full. And, if they have distributed all the money and then discover another debt, as executors they will have to pay it themselves if there is no estate money left.

Even if the estate is under the £325,000 tax limit there might be tax to pay.

My partner Rex Buscombe specialises in disputes over wills and estates. When executors act on their own, the person entitled to the estate (the beneficiary) can feel that things are not being done properly.

An executor may be refusing to give the beneficiary information, despite repeated requests. In the case of a will trust, the trustees may have lost some of the trust funds and the beneficiary may be worried there might not be anything left for them. Or there may be a trust that the family does not understand or has ignored.

This can have quite expensive income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax implications.

So, when someone calls me to say that a person close to them has died, I will

first give them some free advice over the phone and try to find out whether it is a straightforward case which might or might not need a Grant of Probate.

To obtain just the grant of probate for a simple case we have a fixed fee of £695 including VAT and disbursements, so that the family can deal with the rest of the estate.

We can almost always deal with the whole estate, including administration, at a price less than the non solicitor organisations - such as ITC or the Co op for example - and we understand that you need to see and talk to the person dealing with your case.

If you would like to get in touch with us for a chat - without any obligation - then please contact me or one of my colleagues Piri Gallington or Caroline Bedford on (01752) 665037, email (enquiries@thompsonandjackson.co.uk) or visit our website www.thompsonandjackson.co.uk.

• Established more than 130 years ago, Thompson and Jackson provides a wide range of legal services to clients throughout Devon and Cornwall, including residential and commercial conveyancing, wills and probate, inheritance disputes, business matters, landlord and tenant issues, accident compensation claims, divorce and separation, injunctions and litigation.

New Dementia Care Home with Nursing St.Budeaux, Ernesettle Lane, Plymouth Waypoints Care Group is dedicated to creating residential care homes that are reassuring and familiar, supporting residents with dementia through individual, person-centred care. Our pioneering approach to caring for people who have dementia ensures that those in our care continue to lead, rich and fulfilling lives.

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For further information call 0800 092 1186 or visit www.waypoints-care.co.uk the plymouth magazine

55

steve’s approach to business means he’s not short of work Steve Short has learned a lot about the challenges of being self employed after launching his own plumbing and gas engineering business nearly three years ago.

He knew it would take a number of years to get his fledgling business firmly established, but has found that the traditional qualities of reliability, customer service and a professional approach are the keys to survival in these difficult economic times.

“Competition is tough in the market place at the moment, mainly because of the state of the economy,” said Steve, who launched Shortflow Plumbing and Gas Engineering in February 2010.

Steve, 28, is a former Dockyard apprentice who had to cope with the setback of redundancy and then job loss before starting his own business. He spent two years studying part-time for his gas engineering qualification through South West Assessment and Training in Liskeard.

“Studying for the gas engineer and plumbing qualifications was intensive and involved a lot of hard work. I was delighted to gain all the qualifications I needed.

Then I had to be assessed for the Gas Safe Register, which was another big hurdle to overcome,” he said.

to go the extra mile and give your customers the very best service you can,” he said.

For Steve it has meant big sacrifices, with no holidays and lots of work during unsocial hours and at the weekends. The hours he has had to dedicate to his business eventually impacted on his personal life, with the break-up of his relationship with his girlfriend.

“You have to respond to the customer’s needs. If that means answering an emergency call-out in the middle of the night then that is what you do. If you have an appointment with a customer at a specified time you have to make sure you are there.

“Sometimes that is simply not possible because of circumstances beyond your control, but it is important to always keep the customer informed so that they are not left wondering if you are going to turn up or not.”

Steve’s emphasis on the quality and reliability of his service has produced some unexpected and welcome benefits.

One elderly customer was so pleased with the work he did on her boiler that she asked him if he could install a new kitchen and bathroom for her.

On top of the training Steve had to buy all the tools and equipment as well as a van and that has all cost him several thousand pounds.

“It came as a bit of a surprise, but I was very happy to take on the job,” said Steve.

He was able to do most of the work himself, only calling in other tradesmen where needed. “She was really pleased with the result and the job underlined the importance of good customer service.”

“It was tough at the beginning, but I always believed that you have to be prepared

Now Steve’s emphasis on looking after his customers has yielded even more fruit.

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business matters Steve Short... reliability and customer service have been the keys to his success

He recently undertook a complex boiler and plumbing installation for a customer in Tavistock.

“Five or six plumbers had already looked at the job but were not interested, because it was certainly not straightforward,” said Steve.

He happily took on the task and the customer was so pleased with Steve’s work that he has now commissioned him to undertake the complete refurbishment of an empty property in Plymstock.

“My customer has bought it as an investment, but it needs a complete makeover.

“It even involves external works such as fencing and creating a new driveway with block paving,” said Steve.

“It will be the biggest project I have taken on and will bring its challenges, no doubt.

“But I have got good working relationships with a team of other tradesmen, such as builders, plasterers and electricians, who will be involved in the work.”

Steve’s commitment to traditional values has resulted in a growing list of regular, loyal customers. “Many of my customers have become good friends as well and I often spend time with them socially – which is an unexpected bonus.

Steve will project manage the top-to-bottom refurbishment of the chalet bungalow which will involve plumbing, wiring, plastering, flooring, decorating and a new kitchen and bathroom. It is expected to take several months to complete.

For further information contact Steve Short at Shortflow Plumbing and Heating Tel 01752 242897 or 07786 864375.

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57

property matters

andrew’s business venture is a complete success After working in the building trade for more than 20 years, Andrew McGowan decided to take the plunge and launch his own business.

plumbing, tiling, plastering, electrics or any other work required. By using the latest 3D planning we are able to help customers design their dream living space in the comfort of their own home.

That was seven years ago, and despite the recent economic downturn, he has never looked back.

“We also supply and install double glazed units and uPVC windows, doors and porches.

He called his company Complete Works, which gives an accurate picture of the wide range of refurbishment and maintenance work which the company undertakes.

“We don’t just stop at building work: having an array of highly skilled tradesmen means we have the resources available for most home improvement projects.”

The inspiration for the company name came from none other than Charles Dickens.

Andrew explained: “I was trying to think of the best name for my new business when I noticed a volume on my bookshelf…the Complete Works of Charles Dickens.

“We believe that our greatest strength lies in our knowledgeable and friendly staff who can be trusted to create functional, design-led solutions for kitchens and bathrooms.”

“That was it – ‘complete works’ described exactly how I wanted the business to be seen,” said Andrew.

The quality of its services is underlined by the fact that Complete Works is a member of The Guild of Master Craftsmen and is registered with Certass for the installation of windows and doors, which come with a 10 year guarantee.

“My very first job when I launched Complete Works was landscaping a garden.

Then a neighbour asked me if I could do some work for them and at one stage I couldn’t get away from that one street because I had so much work to do!”

His business has grown steadily since then and Andrew now employs five staff and is about to take on another one. “I also have a network of experienced sub-contractors who I work with as needed.”

The company is also accredited under the Government-backed Trust Mark scheme of approved tradesmen.

A current project being undertaken by Complete Works involves the complete refurbishment of a two-storey Victorian home in De La Hay Avenue, Stoke.

The majority of the work undertaken by Complete Works is for residential customers, although it also handles a range of commercial projects.

Alison and Martin Brady purchased the property two years ago and brought in Complete Works to carry out an extensive programme of improvements and refurbishment.

Andrew said: “We offer a comprehensive kitchen and bathroom service from initial design, right through to the final installation of the furniture. This includes

So far this has included installation of a stunning new kitchen, utility room and downstairs toilet, new bathroom and extensive work in the lounge and dining rooms.

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the plymouth magazine

Andrew McGowan of Complete Works pictured with Alison and Martin Brady in their new kitchen

Alison, who is a midwife at Derriford, said: “The property was badly in need of a complete make-over. I had used Andrew and Complete Works for a similar project at my previous home in Stoke so I had no hesitation in asking him to help us with our new property.”

Engineer Martin said: “Apart from designing and installing the new kitchen and bathroom, the work has also involved plastering, wiring and plumbing right through the house, as well as the installation of new fire places and ceiling work downstairs.

“It’s very much a project in progress as we still have work to be carried out on the rear elevation, conservatory and bedrooms. We are delighted with what Complete Works have done so far.”

Alison added: “All of the Complete Works team, as well as any sub-contractors they call in, are polite and friendly. They always ensure the property is left clean and tidy after carrying out work. I would have no hesitation in recommending them.”

in Notte Street and also installed a new office facility at St Pancras Church in Pennycross.

Andrew puts his success down to quality, reliability and flexibility. “We are an honest and friendly family-run business. Our prices are not the cheapest but we believe we can offer excellent value for money.

In fact, Complete Works are now also installing a new kitchen for Alison’s mother, who lives just a couple of doors away in De La Hay Avenue.

“We ensure that work will start on the agreed date and we aim to keep disruption to the home to a minimum, ensuring the project is left safe and tidy before leaving each night.”

As well as these residential projects, Complete Works has recently completed a major refurbishment of the ground floor of the popular Eastern Eye restaurant

For further information contact Andrew McGowan, Complete Works, Ford Hill, Plymouth Tel 01752 559928 www.completeworks-plymouth.com

Fort Austin Avenue, Crownhill, Plymouth PL6 5NU Telephone: 01752 771820

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Valid Monday to Sunday 2pm - 4pm only. 01.12.2012 - 31.12.2012 the plymouth magazine

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it’s time for festive Christmas trees are here! I can’t believe how quickly this year has flown by. I haven’t stopped moaning about the lack of summer yet and here I am measuring Christmas trees!

could last you years). Pot grown trees have every chance of surviving if you look after them well.

As I write this article, trees are trickling in and we are on tenterhooks to see if we will be plagued with snowy conditions!

As usual we have a full range of traditional Norway Spruce and Needlefast trees including Nordmann Firs and Fraser Firs.

Once again the big trees – 8ft and larger – will be in short supply, so make sure you get your order in quickly if you would like one of these.

Everybody got some rock salt, a shovel, snow boots and a sledge ? We are all so well prepared this year! So here we are again preparing for my most glamorous working time of the year – pink cheeks, needle rash, wet hair, mud: you name it, but plenty of festive fun!

by

Fiona Newton and Derek Anderson of Plymouth Garden Centre

Derek has been busy thinking about shrubs for this time of year and I have been frantically counting and checking trees as they arrive! So what type of tree do you fancy this year? Let’s look at what’s available: Potted trees Once again we have a lovely range of potted trees in a good range of sizes. Because a pot grown tree is relatively more Potted trees are a great investment expensive (yet have the feel good factor compared to cut trees) they are normally smaller. However, this year we have sourced some good sized trees and they are well worth the price (remember it

Cut trees

Fraser Fir – my favourite with a great scent Frasers are traditionally a slimmer tree but they have a great shape.

This year when I was marking them in the plantation I picked Fiona pictured with one of the out some real beauties, which growers earlier this year were perfect in every way. Of course trees are living things and they don’t always grow the way you want them to and most always have a quirky bit. But this year I was really happy again with all the Frasers: they have grown well and were tall, evenly spread and full and I would definitely recommend these trees as my first choice again this year.

I will be pulling out the cream of the crop again this year so come early to get the best one! Due to a shortage locally we have also got some coming from a trusted supplier in Scotland which look fantastic.

Traditional Norway Spruce These trees will drop their needles eventually and more so than needlefast trees, but keep them outside for as long as possible, well watered and away from heat sources and you should be fine. It’s a very popular tree. Just remember to bring your gloves if you are going to choose one of these as they are more prickly!

Nordmann Fir A needlefast tree which tends to be more bushy and has thicker, more spread out branches and needles. It’s the number one seller. We have some trees coming from Devon, Scotland and Denmark this year, the latter tend to be bigger heavier trees so if big Nordmann Fir is your ideal tree this should suit.

My number one tip is always to cut half an inch (a few cms) off the bottom of the tree so that it can drink. Treat your tree like cut flowers and make sure it stands in water the whole time it is indoors.

Children’s Grow Your Own Christmas tree giveaway Following last year’s success we have 500 baby Norway Spruce Christmas trees to give away to children when their parents buy one of our Christmas trees. They will need to be planted in a pot and looked after and it’s a real commitment of between eight and10 years, but it’s a lovely thought that you could grow your own Christmas tree. So that’s all from me– I look forward to seeing you in amongst the trees!

Here’s Derek’s December thoughts!

Looking good The garden is usually thought of as being bare and dead in December and generally forgotten about due to all the festivities, but there are a few gems in the garden at this time of year that really shine.

The Dogwoods (Cornus) really do come into their own during winter. They are generally thought of as pretty, but boring and plain shrubs during summer, with

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gardening matters

firs and festive fun! many plants outshining them with impressive flowers and foliage, but from the autumn when the leaves begin to turn is when Cornuses begin to stand out.

They have fantastic autumn foliage changing through all the rich, warm fiery shades, but it is when the leaves finally drop that they prove they deserve their place in the garden. They are grown for their bare stems, which stand upright in bright colours which dazzle in the low light levels. The stems come in a range of colours from bright red, orange, yellow, lime green and black. Cornus creates an excellent backdrop of colour in the rear of the border in winter.

Your eye is immediately drawn to them and they look simply stunning when grown en masse. They will grow in most soils that are kept moist and prefer a position in full sun to partial shade. They can grow to a height of 1.5-2.5m (5-8’) with a spread of 1.5m (5’), but can be kept smaller by pruning. Prune them hard back to ground level in spring for the young branches to grow for the best winter colour.

Pampas grass (Cortaderia Selloana) looks great at this time of the year. Planted on its own in an island bed, it can look boring and dated, but when planted as part of a mixed border either with shrubs and herbaceous perennials, or in a gravel bed with other grasses and drought tolerant plants it has a strong architectural presence, making it a great feature plant.

It looks impressive when in full plume in mid winter, especially when the morning dew or frosts collect on the leaves and seed heads. It likes to grow in full sun in Pampas grass well drained soil. It grows to a height of 1.5-2m (5-6’) with a spread of 1.5 (5’). When in plume, they can reach up to 2.5-3m (8-10’) in height, but there are dwarf varieties available that won’t grow much higher than 1.2m (4’).

An excellent evergreen small tree to have is Mahonia. It can grow to a height of 5m (15’) with a spread of 4m (12’), but can be kept small with pruning.

It looks great when kept as a small shrub. The yellow flowers are borne on slender spikes and appear from November to March, above rosettes of large, deep green, holly-like leaves.

The flowers of this evergreen shrub have a fragrance similar to lily-ofthe-valley and seem to glow in the wintry sunlight. They are followed by Mahonia bunches of highly ornamental, round, deep purple berries, which are edible but contain a lot of seed. It prefers a shady position, but will grow in sun if kept moist. It will grow in most fertile soil.

It is the perfect time of year to plant hedging, trees, roses, shrubs and soft fruit, as long as the ground isn’t frozen. While the plant has stopped growing and has gone into dormancy, it gives the roots a chance to develop and settle without the top Plymouth Garden Centre in Fort Austin Avenue, Crownhill is open from 9am to 5.30pm weekdays and 10.30am to 4.30pm Sundays Tel: 01752 771820. www.plymouthgardencentre. co.uk

growth putting too much pressure on them for water and nutrients. Planting now will result in stronger more established plants in the spring. It will also help to scatter a handful of mycorrhizal fungi around the rootball when planting as this will also aid root development.

Cyclamen are also still looking great and will add a much needed splash of colour to pots, borders and beds. Primroses are also starting to look good and will add colour from now until the spring.

Indoor plants and gift ideas Forced Hyacinths and Narcissus Tete a Tete make wonderful indoor arrangements and will be in flower for Christmas Day. Their scent will brighten up any room and if kept on the cooler side, the blooms will last much longer. Plant them up in a stylish pot to make a great gift.

Another great bulb for indoor growing is Amaryllis. Pot up one of the gift sets and it will be in bloom approximately six weeks after planting. They have spectacular showy, lily like flowers on stalks with three to four blooms per stalk.

Nothing says Christmas more thant Poinsettias, they will be ablaze with colour and not just in the traditional festive red: they are now available in white, cream, pink and orange.

Christmas Cacti Christmas Cacti (Schlumbergera) will be in full bloom now and until after Christmas. The beautiful flowers come in a wide range of colours including red, pink, yelow and white. They look spectacular in full bloom, tumbling over the edges of pots.

We have a great range of Orchids in stock which make beautiful and exquisite gifts.

The large exotic flowers are stunning and surprisingly easy to care for. They have quite a vast colour range, so there is one to suit any taste and style.

For an unsual and beautiful table centre, a bowl of cyclamen looks stylish and elegant and will flower for a long period of time indoors as well as outdoors. There are two types: the larger varieties, which look great on their own, or the mini cyclamen, which look great in groups. For a real show stopping display, try using a large cyclamen to create a statement and feature and surround it with mini cyclamen to compliment it. This will make a long lasting, colourful centre piece.

As well as indoor planted gifts, we also have a full range of outdoor planted pots ready to go in a range of styles in festive colours. If you would like something a bit special or more personalised, then we are happy to plant up a pot that you can select form one of our collections with plants that you can hand pick.

So Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone.

Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you in 2013 – our 50th Year!

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